The U.S. has quietly blocked Ukraine from using long-range ATACMS missile systems, which could target Russian territory, according to *Wall Street Journal*. The decision hinges on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s approval, aimed at encouraging Moscow to initiate peace talks.
U.S. Blocks Ukraine from Long-Range Missile Attacks
Wall Street Journal reports that the “high-level approval process” prevents Ukraine from employing long-range ATACMS rocket systems capable of striking Russian territory. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth holds the final authority over this decision, which was made to pressure Moscow into starting peace negotiations, as per the White House.
Trump’s Growing Frustration with Biden’s Ukraine Strategy
Media highlight that the report emerges amid Donald Trump’s intense frustration. The U.S. president recently stated, “It’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking the aggressor’s country.” He compared the situation to a sports team with a strong defense but no offensive capabilities, asserting that Ukraine, like such a team, has no chance of victory opposing Russia. Trump accused Biden of being “unfair and glaringly incompetent,” claiming he allowed Ukraine only to defend, not to fight.
New Missiles for Ukraine, Yet U.S. Approval Remains Mandatory
Simultaneously, reports indicate the U.S. approved the sale of 3,350 ERAM maneuverable missiles to Ukraine this week. Delivery is expected within six weeks. However, Wall Street Journal notes that even these missiles, with a range of 240–450 km, would require Pentagon approval for use.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/0, https://www.tokfm.pl/Tokfm/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Joe-Biden#anchorLink
