The United States government is grappling with a contentious decision regarding Ukraine’s request to use long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory. According to reports from the Financial Times, there is a significant divide within the US administration on this issue. While President Joe Biden has stated that the White House is considering allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia, the Pentagon and US intelligence community have warned against such a move.This debate comes amid high-level diplomatic activity, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Kyiv. Their visit has fueled speculation that they might announce permission for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian targets. However, official statements remain cautious, with Blinken saying the US would ‘consider and listen’ to Ukraine’s request.The Kremlin, for its part, believes that the decision to allow such strikes has likely already been made. Russian officials have warned of potential consequences, with President Vladimir Putin cautioning that NATO should ‘understand what they are dealing with’. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated that Russia would have an ‘appropriate’ response if long-range strikes were permitted.In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that he had received information from Western intelligence agencies about the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. However, Zelensky emphasized that he cannot yet confirm the use of these missiles on Ukrainian territory, stating he would only do so when there is concrete evidence.The ongoing debate and diplomatic maneuvers underscore the complex geopolitical calculations involved in the Ukraine conflict. As the US and its allies weigh the potential benefits and risks of allowing long-range strikes into Russian territory, the decision could mark a significant escalation in the conflict, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and international relations.
Key points
- The US government is divided over allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are visiting Kyiv, potentially to discuss the use of ATACMS missiles.
- Russia warns of consequences if long-range strikes are permitted, while claiming it can defend against ATACMS missiles.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledges receiving information about Iranian missiles transferred to Russia but cannot confirm their use.
Contradictions👾While some reports suggest that Blinken and Lammy’s visit to Kyiv is to announce permission for Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles, official statements indicate that the US is still considering the request.
👾There are conflicting views within the US government, with the White House considering allowing long-range strikes, while the Pentagon and intelligence community warn against it.
