Recent developments regarding the potential authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory have heightened tensions in the political landscape between the U.S., the U.K., NATO, and Ukraine. Various reports indicate that this issue is at the center of international politics and military strategy among Ukraine’s allies.
Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington does not rule out the possibility of lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. In an interview with Sky News, he emphasized that any decision on this matter will be based on Ukraine’s objectives in countering Russian aggression. This statement has sparked discussions among analysts and journalists, with Axios reporting that an announcement regarding the authorization of ATACMS missiles against Russia could be made during Blinken’s visit to Kyiv.
In addition to the U.S., the U.K. plays a significant role. According to The Guardian, the U.K. has already allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian territory. However, this information remains unofficial, and no formal announcement is planned.
On Friday, September 15, U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the potential authorization for Ukraine to use long-range weaponry against Russian targets. This was revealed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during an interview with Sky News. The discussion aims to resolve the issue of using American ATACMS missiles to enhance Ukrainian defense and conduct precision strikes on important military targets deep within Russia.
Blinken’s visit, along with U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s trip to Kyiv, which is set for Wednesday, also brings to the forefront the issue of possibly lifting restrictions on strikes against Russian territory using Western weapon systems. This could be a new step in supporting Ukraine in its confrontation with Russian aggression.
Potential Strikes and Strategic Importance of ATACMS
ATACMS missiles could become a crucial element in Ukraine’s efforts to deter Russian aggression. The issue lies not only in their range, which can extend up to 300 kilometers, but also in the fact that the U.S. had previously restricted the use of such weapons for strikes on Russian territory due to concerns about escalating the conflict. However, recent statements from the Biden administration suggest possible changes in U.S. policy on this matter.
In particular, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted in his interview with Sky News that Washington does not rule out lifting the ban on using long-range missiles against Russia. He emphasized that the U.S. is doing everything possible to ensure Ukraine has the necessary weapons to defend itself against Russian aggression. At the same time, decisions about strikes should consider Ukraine’s strategic goals and those of its Western partners.
U.K. and France Support for Strikes
Western allies, including the U.K. and France, have already taken several important steps to support Ukraine. The U.K. had earlier authorized the use of Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian territory. Similarly, French-made Scalp missiles have also been supplied to Ukraine, significantly expanding the Armed Forces’ capabilities in resisting the aggressor.
Despite this, Washington remains cautious about authorizing the use of ATACMS missiles. However, according to The Times, the Biden administration might agree to their use under certain conditions. One of the factors influencing U.S. decisions is the desire to avoid escalating the conflict and direct NATO involvement.
Moscow’s Position and Putin’s Threats
Moscow, in turn, has repeatedly warned about “dangerous consequences” of using long-range weapons against Russian targets. Specifically, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that strikes on Russian territory using Western weapon systems would be viewed as “direct NATO intervention in the war.” Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to exploit the issue of Western intervention to intimidate NATO countries and provoke them into withdrawing support for Ukraine.
Despite Moscow’s threats, the international community clearly understands the importance of supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has directly stated that Ukraine has the full right to use any means necessary to protect its territory and civilians from Russian attacks.
Pentagon and New Arms Supplies
The Pentagon has recently signed a new $1.2 billion contract with American company Raytheon for the production of advanced AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, which may later be supplied to Ukraine. These missiles will be used, among other things, for F-16 fighters, providing Ukrainian Air Force with additional capabilities to counter Russian aviation.
Other countries receiving these missiles include Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, and other NATO allies. Such agreements further confirm international support for Ukraine and the willingness of Western countries to assist in the fight against Russian aggression.
Planning Strategic Strikes
Although no final decision on strikes against Russia with American missiles has been announced yet, Bloomberg reports that the U.S. expects Ukraine to provide a detailed plan for such strikes. Western countries, including the U.K. and France, believe this should be part of a broader strategic plan to end the war. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in turn, has noted that Ukraine has the right to self-defense and that allies will continue to support Kyiv in every possible way.
At the same time, NATO’s position remains cautious. As noted by U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, the White House is not ready to announce authorization for strikes deep into Russia, as this could be perceived as direct NATO intervention in the war. Russia has repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential use of Western weapons for strikes on its territory. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such actions would be considered an escalation of the conflict.
This week is unlikely to bring final decisions regarding the use of long-range missiles, as leaders will meet later at the UN General Assembly session. However, the situation remains tense as Ukraine continues to seek additional military support from its Western partners.
Learn more about the threats and challenges associated with a potential NATO-Russia confrontation in our article “Rising Threat of Direct NATO-Russia Clash: New Challenges for the West”.