US Restricts Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles
(MENAFN) The Pentagon has discreetly limited Ukraine’s access to a U.S.-produced long-range missile system for use against Russian forces, according to a Saturday report by The Wall Street Journal.
The decision has ultimately been placed in the hands of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, effectively curbing Kyiv's operational capacity with these weapons.
This restriction is significantly impacting Ukraine's defensive capabilities, particularly as the conflict stretches into its third year.
U.S. President Donald Trump has increasingly expressed dissatisfaction regarding the prolonged war, intensifying pressure on decision-makers in Washington.
Sources revealed that an internal, classified approval procedure within the Defense Department has been preventing Ukraine from deploying the long-range ATACMS missiles provided by the U.S. since late spring.
On at least one occasion, Ukrainian officials sought permission to target Russian territory with the missiles but were denied, two officials told The Wall Street Journal.
After holding a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and subsequent talks with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump indicated on Friday that he is reconsidering the imposition of economic penalties on Moscow.
He also hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the peace negotiations entirely.
Although Trump has attempted to facilitate a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy, these diplomatic efforts have reached a stalemate. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed a news agency on Friday that there is currently no established plan or agenda for such a meeting.
In its report, The Wall Street Journal noted that Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has instituted a “review mechanism” designed to scrutinize Ukraine’s appeals to utilize U.S.-made long-range weaponry, as well as European systems reliant on American intelligence or components. Ultimately, the final decision in these matters is reserved for Secretary Hegseth.
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