Pentagon Bars Use of Long-Range ATACMS by Ukraine
The US Defense Department has imposed a stern approval process in secrecy, blocking Ukraine from using ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) provided by the United States to attack targets within Russia since late spring 2025.
These high-capacity missiles, prized for their accuracy and range of up to 300 km, were previously cleared for deep penetration into Russian airspace by President Biden. But now, each request for deployment has to go through a top-level procedure created under Pentagon undersecretary Elbridge Colby and signed off by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
At least one Kyiv request to fire ATACMS into Russia has already been rejected, indicating a more restrained approach.
Why the US Is Holding Back
“This policy change is a signal of a diplomatic objective: nudging Russia into peace negotiations by constraining Ukraine’s ability to attack deep within its territory,” officials say.
Even though President Trump has attacked limits on Ukraine’s offensive weapons suggesting it’s not possible to emerge victorious without “playing offense” his government has kept the review mechanism intact and has not expressed any near-term intention of relaxing it.
In the meantime, the US is preparing to supply Extended Range Air-Launched Munitions (ERAM), but as Defense News points out, their deployment too will depend on Pentagon approval.
Ukraine’s Response and Alternatives
Prevented from employing US missiles hundreds of miles inside Russia, Ukraine is turning to domestic remedies creating its own long-range drones and cruise missile, known as the “Flamingo.”
Analysts closely observe that by withholding ATACMS, it shortens Kyiv’s strategic arm and capability to strike Russian command centers, air bases, or logistics centers beyond the battlefield.
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Bottom Line
As Ukraine keeps battling to fend off a large-scale invasion, its capacity to attack within Russia using US arms comes to a hard stop. The Pentagon review process slams on the brakes when it comes to employing long-range platforms such as ATACMS a sign Washington is attempting to tightrope between defending Ukraine and holding back escalation.
