US prohibits Ukraine from strikes deep inside Russia due to fears of war spreading

The United States has maintained its policy prohibiting Ukraine from using American-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory to avoid escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders, Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder confirmed to the Voice of America (VoA).

Despite some countries lifting restrictions on using Western-provided weapons against Russian targets inside Russia during the renewed Russian offensive against Kharkiv Oblast in May, Washington has only granted Kyiv limited permission to use specific American weapons near the border.

Ryder reiterated that the policy remains unchanged, emphasizing the importance of preventing unintended escalation. "We do not want to see unintended consequences of an escalation that could turn this conflict into a broader one that goes beyond Ukraine. This is something we all need to consider and take very seriously," he stated in an interview published on July 15.

Reports indicate that Ukraine has used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to target Russian military positions in Crimea, a region illegally annexed by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to urge Washington to permit strikes deep inside Russia, including military airfields.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has hinted at a possible future adjustment to these limitations. "We have never in any way underestimated the threat that Russia poses to Ukraine. We will continue to work with Ukraine to ensure that it has everything it needs to defend its sovereign territory and people," Ryder added.

Zelensky says he 'is not afraid' of Trump's potential presidency

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 15 that Ukraine is prepared to work with the Republican Party if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky addressed Trump's campaign claims of being able to end Russia's war within 24 hours if elected, despite Trump not providing specific details on achieving this.

Zelensky expressed openness to meeting with Trump and urged him to disclose his plan for ending the conflict, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to prepare for any associated risks. "As for U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's plan on ending the war, the general things are clear to me. If Donald Trump becomes president, we will work. I am not afraid of this," Zelensky said.

He reassured that Ukraine enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S. and will continue to strengthen ties with Washington regardless of the presidential election outcome. Zelensky's comments followed the recent NATO summit in Washington, where allies reaffirmed Ukraine's path toward membership and pledged $43 billion in funding for the coming year.

Despite Trump's criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine and his influence over the Republican Party, which contributed to a prolonged deadlock in Congress over this aid, Zelensky believes the agreed support will remain unchanged.

Orban pitches 'peace proposal' to EU after Kyiv, Moscow trips

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has presented a peace proposal for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to European leaders, according to Balazs Orban, the prime minister's political director.

Balazs Orban described the plan as "based on a realistic situation assessment, realistic goals, and a realistic schedule." Viktor Orban's "peace mission" included visits to Kyiv, Moscow, and Beijing, and a meeting with U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Orban's visit to Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin drew criticism from the EU, which emphasized that Hungary's actions do not represent the bloc. Despite maintaining close ties with Moscow and delaying military aid to Kyiv, Hungary aims to "create conditions for peace" during its six-month EU presidency.

Balazs Orban suggested involving other international actors in the peace process and praised Trump for his commitment to peace, while criticizing current EU and U.S. leadership as "pro-war."

Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt, has pledged to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, possibly by pressing Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. Details of Viktor Orban's peace proposal have not been disclosed.