The Trump administration has blocked Ukraine from using US-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia since late spring, as part of an effort to engage Vladimir Putin in peace talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The Pentagon has reportedly blocked Ukraine from using US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms), citing concerns over escalating the conflict.
Two US officials told the Journal that Ukraine had sought to use Atacms against a target on at least one occasion but was denied under a “review mechanism” developed by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for policy.
This mechanism governs how US 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, which depends on US targeting data.
The Trump administration’s decision to block Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles comes amid efforts to broker peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been given approval over the use of Atacms, which have a range of nearly 190 miles (305km).
Ukraine was previously given authority by the Biden administration to use the missile system against targets inside Russia in November after North Korean troops entered the war.
In January, before his inauguration, Trump expressed disagreement with allowing Ukraine to use US weapons systems to attack targets inside Russia.
“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 to be done,” he said.
Despite the restrictions on missile use, Trump has also stated that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia unless it can “play offense” in the war.
“It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country,” Trump wrote. “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.”
The US has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition air-launched missiles (Eram) to Ukraine, which have a range of 280 miles (400km). However, the administration has stated that it is “not looking” to provide longer-range weapons that could reach Moscow.
The restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles have sparked debate among international leaders.
European Union chief Josep Borrell has urged donors to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, stating that it would have several important effects, including allowing Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.
In response to the Journal’s report, 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.”
However, the ongoing conflict continues to raise concerns about the humanitarian situation and the need for a peaceful resolution.