According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, US defense officials have implemented restrictions on Ukraine's ability to utilize US-supplied long-range missiles for strikes against targets inside Russia. This decision, which dates back to late spring, is part of an initiative established during the Trump administration aimed at encouraging Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations.
The report indicates that the Pentagon has specifically restricted the use of US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems, commonly known as Atacms. Two US officials disclosed to the outlet that Ukraine had made attempts to deploy Atacms against certain targets, but these requests were denied under a “review mechanism.” This mechanism was developed by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for policy, and governs the utilization of US long-range weapons, as well as those provided by European allies that are dependent on American intelligence and components.
Additionally, this review process extends to the British Storm Shadow cruise missile, which also relies on US targeting data, according to the same officials. The system reportedly requires the approval of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the use of Atacms, which have a striking range of nearly 190 miles (305 km).
Previously, the Biden administration had authorized Ukraine to use the Atacms missile system against targets within Russia back in November, following the entry of North Korean troops into the conflict. However, prior to his inauguration in January, Trump expressed to Time magazine that permitting Ukraine to target Russia with US weaponry was a mistake. He stated, “I disagree very vehemently with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why are we doing that? We’re just escalating this war and making it worse. That should not have been allowed to be done.”
While it remains unclear whether the Pentagon's review process signifies a formal policy shift, it coincides with an increasing level of control over munitions provided to Ukraine, particularly as US military stocks are being depleted.
In response to the report, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump has been unequivocal in his belief that the war in Ukraine should come to an end, asserting that there has been no change in the military posture regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict at this time. However, last week, amidst ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue between Russian President Putin and Voldomyr Zelenskyy, Trump remarked that Ukraine could not achieve victory over Russia unless it could effectively “play offense” in the ongoing war. He articulated, “It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country.”
Trump further likened Ukraine's situation to a sports team with an excellent defense but no offensive capability, stating, “There is no chance of winning.” In a recent development, the US has agreed to provide Ukraine with new weapon systems, but only under the condition that European nations finance these acquisitions.
While Trump has indicated that the US is “not looking” to supply longer-range weaponry capable of reaching Moscow, US officials informed the Journal that the administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition air-launched missiles, known as Erams, which possess a range of 280 miles (400 km). This development highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding military assistance to Ukraine and the evolving strategies in response to the conflict.
