The Pentagon has not allowed Ukraine to use US ATACMS tactical missiles to strike deep into Russian territory for several months, The Wall Street Journal writes, citing its sources.
According to their information, the US authorities have not given Kiev permission to strike using ATACMS since late spring. “President Trump has made it clear that the war in Ukraine must end. Secretary Hegseth is working with President Trump“, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt told the newspaper.
US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has introduced a “review mechanism“ to Kiev's demands for the use of long-range weapons against Russia, the newspaper explains. Moreover, we are talking not only about American missiles, but also about weapons supplied to Ukraine by European countries that use American intelligence for guidance and contain components from the United States in their design. In particular, the restrictions apply to British Storm Shadow missiles.
The last batch of ATACMS was delivered to Ukraine in the spring of 2025. A permit for the transfer of these missiles was issued during the administration of former US President Joe Biden, the publication writes.
Colby also tightened control over the supply of ammunition to Kiev, the newspaper adds. According to his information, in June the deputy head of the Pentagon introduced a new system for assessing the state of American arsenals. According to this system, weapons stocks are divided into three categories - green, yellow and red. The Defense Minister may suspend the supply of weapons to Ukraine that fall into the latter two categories.
Russia has repeatedly stated that strikes with long-range weapons are not carried out by Kiev, but by Western countries, whose specialists carry out targeting.
This week, the US administration approved the sale of 3,300 ERAM (Extended Range Attack Munition) air-launched missiles to Kiev. They will arrive in Ukraine within six weeks, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.
According to their information, the total amount of the military aid package was $850 million. A significant part of this amount was allocated by European countries. The newspaper did not specify what else was included in the tranche besides the ERAM missiles, but noted that the US administration had delayed its approval until US President Donald Trump meets with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The range of these missiles is 150-280 miles (240-450 km), The Wall Street Journal reported. This means that Ukraine will likely have to seek approval from the Pentagon to use them in combat.