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Ukrainian defense officials have confirmed that they urged top US leaders to permit Kyiv to use long-range weapons, particularly Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), in their counteroffensive against Russia.
Let’s bring you up to speed: The United States has been cautious about letting Ukraine use long-range weapons like the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in its conflict with Russia. Top US officials have expressed concern that allowing Ukraine to strike deeper within Russia could escalate the war and provoke a direct confrontation with Moscow. Because of this, the US has imposed restrictions on these weapons.
What Ukraine is saying now: In an interview with CNN, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that he gave senior US defense officials a list of targets Ukraine aims to strike deep within Russia. He added, “We have explained the needs. We have explained what kind of capabilities we need to protect the citizens against that Russian terror that Russians are causing us.”
What Ukraine wants to strike: Ukraine has shown interest in targeting critical Russian airbases, especially those launching airstrikes against Ukrainian territory. Hitting these airbases is seen as essential to weakening Russia’s ability to deploy aircraft and precision-guided weapons that have destroyed Ukrainian cities and military positions. Defense minister Umerov said, “They’re killing our citizens, That’s why we want to deter them, we want to stop them, we don’t want [to] allow their aviation to come closer to our borders to bomb the cities.”
What Russia has warned: Russia has warned Ukraine against using long-range weapons like ATACMS to strike deeper into its territory. President Vladimir Putin and other officials have emphasized that such actions would be seen as a significant escalation, potentially prompting severe retaliation, including strikes on nations supplying these weapons.
