Since late spring, the Pentagon has quietly blocked Ukraine from using US-made long-range ATACMS missiles inside Russia, according to a recent report published by the Wall Street Journal. The measure has its roots traced back to a classified approval process developed under Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, which gives Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ultimate control over such strikes, multiple US media reports suggest. Even British Storm Shadow missiles, which reportedly rely on the US targeting data, fall under this approval system, Reuters reported Saturday.
Under President Joe Biden, the US had eased restrictions in 2024, enabling Ukraine to use ATACMS inside Russia. However, the current review mechanism — under President Donald Trump — has undone that shift, the report said. The WSJ reported that Kyiv even sought to use ATACMS on at least one Russian target but was eventually denied the opportunity.
Trump‘s Peace Pressure Backdrop
The move aligns with President Trump‘s push for a diplomatic resolution, even though he only recently publicly acknowledged that Ukraine might not win without offensive capability. Trump has in recent days floated sanctions or tariffs on Russia but hasn’t reversed the weapons restriction. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly said, “Secretary Hegseth is working in lockstep with President Trump.“
Ukraine’s Status and Alternatives
According to WSJ, Kyiv received its last shipment of ATACMS in spring, as authorised under the previous American administration. These missiles, reports suggest, offer a range up to 300 km and enabled strikes deep into Russian-held territories. Currently, Ukraine appears to be leaning on domestically developed long-range drones and a new cruise missile project named Flamingo, expected in mass production by early next year.
Additionally, the Pentagon has reportedly introduced a tiered supply system — colour-coded green, yellow, red — to determine whether a weapon system could be supplied to Ukraine without undermining US stockpiles.
What This Means Moving Forward
- Ukraine‘s ability to hit strategic targets far behind the frontlines is now limited.
- The US review process will potentially frustrating Kyiv‘s longer-range offensive doctrine.
- While Trump hasn‘t reversed the restriction, analysts say there‘s still a glimmer of hope: a high-level White House official told the WSJ that Trump could change his mind about expanding Ukrainian access down the road.
