Washington/Kyiv: The Biden administration remains cautious about permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory. Despite growing pressure from NATO allies and persistent requests from Ukraine, the US is concerned about the broader implications and potential escalation of the conflict. US officials have requested more detailed information from Ukraine regarding its combat objectives and how the proposed long-range strikes would fit into its overall strategy in the war.
This hesitation comes at a critical moment, with President Joe Biden set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week. Ukraine has been pushing for the deployment of US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian military bases, airfields, and weapons depots located far from the front lines.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued stern warnings, indicating that any allowance for Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia would be seen as an act of war by both the US and NATO. However, some NATO officials have taken a different stance. Adm. Rob Bauer of the Netherlands stated, “Every nation that is attacked has the right to defend itself. And that right doesn’t stop at the border of your own nation.” Despite such assertions, US officials remain wary of the risks associated with escalating the conflict with Russia.
One of the sticking points in the decision-making process involves the Storm Shadow missiles. While these are British-made, they contain certain components that are manufactured in the US, thereby requiring American approval for their use. So far, President Biden has not authorized the broader use of these missiles, reflecting the administration’s ongoing concern about potential ramifications.
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Ukraine continues to assert that striking deeper into Russian territory, specifically targeting weapons depots, airfields, and military bases, is vital to pushing Russia toward peace negotiations. Ukrainian officials argue that without such strategic attacks, it will be difficult to force Russia into meaningful dialogue. A senior US official indicated that the US is actively working with Ukraine to help shape its objectives and approach to the war.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has repeatedly downplayed the significance of long-range strikes, emphasizing that no single weapon will determine the outcome of the war. This suggests a broader strategic perspective within the US defense establishment, focusing on a combination of factors rather than relying solely on long-range capabilities.
