The Pentagon has been blocking Ukraine from using U.S.-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets inside Russia, limiting Kyiv’s ability to fully deploy the weapons in its defense, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials.
According to the report, the restrictions were introduced in late spring as the White House sought to persuade Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks. Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby developed a review process to determine whether Kyiv could use long-range Western weapons, including ATACMS and European-donated systems that rely on U.S. support.
Two officials told the outlet Ukraine had attempted to launch ATACMS strikes on Russia but was denied clearance at least once. Kyiv has argued the limitations hinder its ability to defend against Moscow’s invasion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has the final authority on the use of such weapons.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told NBC on Friday that no meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled, saying, “Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy when the agenda would be ready for a summit. And this agenda is not ready at all.”
Source: The Wall Street Journal
