This spring, the US Department of Defense blocked Ukraine’s right to use American long-range missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, writes the Wall Street Journal. It is stated that this measure was part of the Donald Trump administration’s effort to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept peace talks.
The Pentagon prevented Ukraine from using tactical missile systems “ATACMS,” and a special review mechanism was introduced, developed by Under Secretary of Policy Elbridge Colby, which regulates the use of American long-range weapons and European systems that depend on American technology and intelligence, writes the Wall Street Journal.
The system gives US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth the right to approve the use of “ATACMS,” whose range is about 305 kilometers.
Difference in the policy of Biden and Trump
The administration of the previous US President, Joseph Biden, in November 2023, after North Korean troops began fighting on the side of Russia in the war in Ukraine, gave the Ukrainian army the authority to use this weapon against targets within Russia as well. However, the current US President Donald Trump stated ahead of his inauguration in January to Time magazine that it was a mistake.
“I very and strongly disagree with sending missiles hundreds of kilometers deep into Russia. We are only escalating this war and making it worse. That should never have been allowed,” Trump said at the time.
Message from the White House
It is not yet clear whether the Department of Defense review mechanism represents a formal change in policy. However, it appears alongside increasing scrutiny of ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, at a time when US stockpiles are also dwindling.
The use of American long-range missiles is forbidden
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump “made it very clear that the war in Ukraine must end” and emphasized that “there are no changes in the military stance in the Russia-Ukraine war at this time.”
However, last week, as part of an effort to organize talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump stated that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia if it cannot “play offensively” in the war.
“It is very difficult, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking the aggressor country. It’s like a top team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offense. There is no chance of winning,” Trump concluded.
New weapons with European funding
Last month, the United States agreed to supply Ukraine with new weapons systems, but only if European countries pay for them.
Although Trump emphasized that the US is “not considering” providing long-range weapons that could be used to hit Moscow itself, US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the administration has nevertheless approved the sale of 3,350 “ERAMS” missiles with a range of up to 400 kilometers.
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Source: RTS, Photo: Wikimedia Creative Commons