09:46 24-08-2025

Pentagon Blocks Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia

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The Pentagon has halted Ukraine’s use of ATACMS and other long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia, limiting Kyiv’s options as Washington seeks peace talks.

For several months, the U. S. Department of Defense has been blocking Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cites American officials.

Since late spring 2025, the Pentagon has suspended authorizations for the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and other long-range weapons. Sources told the paper that Kyiv had at least once sought clearance to carry out such a strike, but Washington refused. Details of the request were not disclosed.

The White House underscored that President Donald Trump had made it clear he wants the war in Ukraine to end. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his spokesperson said, has been working with the president on this effort.

The Journal reported that the ban stems from a new approval mechanism introduced by U. S. Deputy Defense Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby. Under this process, every Ukrainian request to use long-range weapons is subjected to additional scrutiny.

The article noted that Washington’s veto on long-range strikes has narrowed Ukraine’s operational options, while the White House seeks to create conditions for possible peace talks with the Kremlin. The restrictions, it added, extend beyond American systems and cover British and French Storm Shadow/Scalp cruise missiles as well.