US Upholds ATACMS Restrictions Despite Zelensky's Requests; Russia Moves Aircraft Beyond Range

Aug 27, 2024, 09:24 PM

The United States has reaffirmed its policy of restricting Ukraine from using American-supplied long-range missiles, specifically ATACMS, to strike deep into Russian territory. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's repeated requests to lift these restrictions, the Pentagon maintains that the current policy will not change. The U.S. Department of Defense emphasizes that American weapons should be used for self-defense rather than offensive operations inside Russia. This decision comes amid reports that Russia has relocated 90% of its military aircraft beyond the range of ATACMS missiles, a strategic move following Ukraine's acquisition of these weapons. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified approximately 250 significant military targets within ATACMS range in Russia, but current U.S. restrictions allow Ukraine to target only 20 of them. The ISW has also published an interactive map to illustrate the constraints imposed by these restrictions. John Kirby commented on Ukraine's demands, and Patrick Ryder stated, "Our policy has not changed." WSJ reports that Russia has moved most of its aircraft beyond ATACMS range.