According to Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Pentagon has been blocking Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles to strike Russian territory for several months, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing WSJ.
The publication notes that under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Pentagon introduced an undisclosed approval procedure at a high level, which prevents Ukraine from using American-made long-range tactical missile systems (ATACMS) for strikes deep within Russia since the end of spring this year.
One of the instances when Ukraine attempted to use ATACMS on a target in Russia but was denied, as reported by WSJ. According to the information, such strikes can only be approved by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. This applies to both ATACMS and British-French Storm Shadow cruise missiles, as these systems rely on targeting data provided by the U.S. The procedure was developed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, who is known for prioritizing the confrontation with China, which analysts say may influence U.S. military commitments in other regions of the world.
WSJ also points out that this policy is a direct reversal of the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to carry out strikes on Russian territory. The publication also recalls Trump’s remarks about the impossibility of winning the war by only taking defensive actions, although it notes that these comments had no significant practical consequences.
A request for comment on this situation was sent to both Ukraine and the British government, but no response has been received.
Earlier we wrote that critical Patriot shortage forces Pentagon to reevaluate weapon supplies.