The Pentagon has blocked Ukraine from using US-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia since late spring, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The move is part of the Trump administration's effort to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks.
The restriction applies to US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms), which have a range of nearly 190 miles. Ukraine was previously authorized by the Biden administration to use these missiles against targets inside Russia in November, after North Korean troops entered the war. The review process also affects Britain's Storm Shadow cruise missile, as it relies on US targeting data.
Two US officials told the Journal that on at least one occasion, Ukraine sought to use Atacms against a target but was denied under a review mechanism developed by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's undersecretary for policy. The system gives US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approval over the use of the missiles.
President Trump previously criticized the decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia, telling Time magazine in January that it was a mistake and escalated the war. However, last week he stated that Ukraine could not defeat Russia without being able to 'play offense,' comparing it to a sports team with a strong defense but no offense.
It remains unclear whether the review process amounts to a formal policy change. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there has been 'no change in military posture' at this time. Meanwhile, the US has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (Eram) air-launched missiles to Ukraine, which have a range of 280 miles, though US officials said the administration is not looking to provide longer-range weapons that could reach Moscow.
