Part 4/21:
Reactions to the announcement were immediate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism during his nightly address, stating that the newly granted permission would enable Ukraine to take "appropriate actions." Conversely, Russian officials condemned the decision. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described it as a provocation designed to intensify the conflict. Additional criticism came from Russia's ambassador to the UN, who directed blame at European leaders for supporting the intensified conflict, emphasizing the risks of broader escalation.