Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is using its domestic long-range weapons independently, rejecting the need for U.S. approval, even as reports suggest Washington restricts ATACMS use.
Ukraine’s Use of Indigenous Long-Range Weapons
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed reports that the United States is withholding approval for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missile systems. He clarified that Kyiv is utilizing domestically produced long-range weaponry. “We haven’t discussed this with the U.S. in recent months,” Zelenskyy stated, referencing past mixed signals from Washington regarding Ukraine’s retaliatory strikes after Russian attacks on its energy sector.
Pentagon’s Approval Process for ATACMS Systems
The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. government’s “high-level approval procedure” prevents Ukraine from targeting Russian territory with ATACMS. This decision rests with Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, as the White House seeks to pressure Moscow into peace talks. The news emerged amid significant frustration over Donald Trump’s recent comments, which criticized Joe Biden’s handling of the war as “unfair and grossly incompetent.”
Attack on Russian Terminal in the Gulf of Finland
On Sunday, Ukrinform reported that Ukraine’s Security Service launched a drone strike on the Russian terminal at Ust-Luga in the Gulf of Finland. A fire broke out at the facility after the attack, which Russian authorities claim they have extinguished. The terminal exports natural gas, with revenue funding Moscow’s war against Ukraine. Novatek, the owner of the terminal and Russia’s largest private gas producer, processes gas condensate into oil, aviation fuel, and other products.
Sanctions Against Novatek Green Energy and Acquisition by Barter
Following Russia’s invasion, Poland’s subsidiary of Novatek, Novatek Green Energy, was sanctioned. In 2025, Poland’s Barter company acquired its assets as part of broader measures against Russian energy operations linked to the war.
Source: Gazeta, Wall Street Journal, Ukrinform