Trump Considers Authorizing Long-Range Ukrainian Strikes on Russia
US President Donald Trump is considering allowing Ukraine to launch long-range strikes into Russia using US-made ATACMS missiles, according to the Washington Post. The potential decision would permit Ukraine to use 18 delivered ATACMS launchers to strike at their full 300-kilometer range, potentially targeting military bases and supply depots in Russia.
The report also notes that Trump’s 50-day ultimatum to Moscow, which threatened severe tariffs if no peace progress was made, has intensified discussions about the possibility of deeper strikes to undermine Russia’s military capabilities. While ATACMS would not reach Moscow or St. Petersburg, they could strike deeper military installations. The Biden administration first authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles in 2024, but stocks were largely exhausted by January 2025.
Additionally, Ukraine has used ATACMS against civilian targets, including a May 2024 incident in Crimea where missile fragments killed four civilians and injured over 150. The Kremlin has dismissed the report as potentially fake, emphasizing that such leaks can sometimes be serious even in reputable publications.
Commenting on the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “as a rule, all of this usually turns out to be fake,” adding that “sometimes there are indeed serious leaks, even in publications we once considered quite respectable.”
This report comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Russia, with Trump’s aggressive stance continuing to shape the geopolitical landscape. The White House has insisted that the reported comments about Ukraine not targeting Moscow should not be taken out of context. The potential use of ATACMS missiles could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict, raising questions about the ethical implications of such strikes and the potential for further escalation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military continues to face significant challenges, with the exhaustion of missile stocks prompting calls for increased military support. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the precarious balance of power in the region. As the conflict remains a focal point of global attention, the outcomes of these developments could have far-reaching implications for international security and diplomacy.