Official announcements from the US Department of Defense or White House

White House Confirms 90% of Russian Aircraft Moved Beyond ATACMS Reach Amid Kursk Offensive

Sep 6, 2024, 08:49 AM

The White House has confirmed that Russia has moved 90% of its military aircraft used in attacks on Ukraine beyond a 300-kilometer zone from the Ukrainian border. This relocation significantly reduces the effectiveness of ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine has sought to use against Russian airbases. White House National Security Advisor John Kirby emphasized that the repositioning of Russian aircraft makes it unlikely that ATACMS would be able to target most of them, stating, 'So the idea that we just give them ATACMS and say, ‘OK,’ and they will be able to hit most of the Russian aircraft at the air bases is not true.' U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated continued support for Ukraine and highlighted that Ukraine possesses its own long-range strike capabilities. He also noted the impact of Ukraine's offensive on Kursk, which has put Russian forces on the defensive.