According to a Saturday report, U.S. defense officials have restricted Ukraine from using American-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia since late spring. This move is part of the Trump administration’s effort to encourage Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks.
The Wall Street Journal states that the Pentagon has blocked Ukraine from using U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMS. Two U.S. officials said that on at least one occasion, Ukraine requested to use these missiles against a target but was denied under a “review mechanism” developed by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for policy. This system governs how U.S. long-range weapons—or those provided by European allies that rely on American intelligence and components—can be used.
The review process also applies to Britain’s Storm Shadow cruise missile because it depends on U.S. targeting data, according to two U.S. officials and one British official. The system reportedly requires U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to approve the use of ATACMS, which have a range of nearly 190 miles (305 km). Previously, the Biden administration had authorized Ukraine to use these missiles against targets inside Russia in November, after North Korean troops entered the conflict.
Before taking office in January, Trump told Time magazine that allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons to attack inside Russia was a mistake. He said, “I disagree very vehemently with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why are we doing that? We’re just escalating this war and making it worse. That should not have been allowed.”
It is unclear whether the Defense Department’s review process represents a formal policy change. However, it coincides with increased control over munitions supplied to Ukraine as U.S. stockpiles are depleted.
In a statement to the Journal, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “has been very clear that the war in Ukraine needs to end. There has been no change in military posture in Russia-Ukraine at this time.”
Last week, while attempting to broker talks between Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump stated that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia unless it is able to “play offense.” He wrote, “It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country. It’s like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense but is not allowed to play offense. There is no chance of winning.”
Last month, the U.S. agreed to supply Ukraine with new weapons systems, but only if European nations paid for them. Although Trump has said the U.S. is “not looking” to provide longer-range weapons capable of reaching Moscow, U.S. officials told the Journal that the administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition air-launched missiles (ERAMs), which have a range of 280 miles (400 km).It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Illustration: Guardian Design / Rich Cousins
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported Pentagon policy regarding Ukraine and attacks on Russian territory
General Beginner Questions
1 What is the reported Pentagon policy on Ukraine attacking Russia
The Pentagon has reportedly asked Ukraine not to use USsupplied weapons to launch longrange strikes against targets deep inside Russian territory
2 Why would the US prevent Ukraine from defending itself
The primary concern isnt Ukraines defense but escalation management The US aims to avoid actions that could be seen as direct US involvement in attacking Russia which might dangerously widen the war
3 Does this mean Ukraine cant attack Russian forces at all
No Ukraine is still actively defending itself and attacking Russian forces within the occupied territories of Ukraine such as in Donbas and Crimea The restriction is specifically about using American weapons for strikes on recognized Russian soil
4 What weapons did the US provide that this applies to
This policy mainly applies to longrange systems provided by the US such as HIMARS rocket systems and ATACMS missiles
Advanced Strategic Questions
5 What is the official reason for this policy
The stated reason is to prevent further escalation and avoid a scenario where NATO could be drawn into a broader conflict with Russia a nucleararmed state
6 Has this policy changed over time
Yes it has evolved Initially the US was very restrictive Over time as the war progressed the US approved strikes on Russianoccupied Ukrainian territory and eventually allowed limited use of US weapons against military targets just across the border in Russia to counter crossborder attacks
7 Are other Western countries imposing similar restrictions
Many allies have had similar cautious policies though some like the UK have been more permissive with the weapons they supply There is ongoing debate among NATO members about loosening these restrictions to give Ukraine more flexibility
8 How does Ukraine view this policy
Ukrainian officials have consistently argued that the restriction hinders their ability to conduct effective counteroffensives and strike legitimate military targets such as airfields and supply depots inside Russia that are used to launch attacks against Ukraine
Practical Current Event Questions
9 Can Ukraine use its own weapons to strike inside Russia
Yes
