US on the Verge of Supplying Kiev with Long-Range Missiles, According to Reuters
Washington is said to be nearing the provision of long-range JASSM missiles to Kiev, capable of reaching deep into Russian territory. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The announcement regarding the inclusion of JASSM missiles in a new weapons package for Ukraine is anticipated this fall, according to reports.
The US is reportedly “close” to approving the shipment of long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, despite persistent warnings from Moscow, as per Reuters. Officials speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that the missiles in question—Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles—could be deployed on US-designed F-16 fighter jets that have been provided to Ukraine by its Western allies.
The news agency stated that the inclusion of JASSMs in the upcoming weapons package for Ukraine is expected to be revealed this fall. Ongoing discussions about the missiles suggest that a final decision has yet to be reached, and they noted that the actual delivery of the weapons may take “several months” due to the need for US authorities to work through technical details.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, these JASSMs have the potential to allow Ukraine's military to target locations up to 300km within the Russian border, and even further—up to 500km—with certain longer-range and more specialized versions.
The report did not specify which variant of the missile the US might supply to Ukraine. A source indicated there are efforts underway to make the missiles compatible with other fighter jets already in Ukraine's arsenal, as the country has so far only received an initial batch of promised F-16s.
As for the provision of JASSMs, one source mentioned that it is regarded as a sensitive topic since it would prompt additional pressure on Washington to lift restrictions regarding Ukraine's use of its weaponry. While Ukraine has secured the approval from several Western nations to target “legitimate” objectives within Russia, US authorization has so far limited the use of its weaponry to defense against incursions rather than for “deep strikes” into Russian territory.
Kiev has been pressing its Western supporters for several months to broaden the permissible strike range and allow the use of Western weaponry for hitting targets deep within Russia. During a recent visit to the US by senior Ukrainian officials, they reportedly presented a list of targets that extend well beyond Russia’s borders.
Moscow has consistently warned the West against permitting Ukraine to strike its territory, considering such actions an escalation of conflict. Russian officials have also threatened to provide similar military support to adversaries of the West if their concerns are not addressed.
Moscow’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, commented on Ukraine’s target list, warning that the US “will not be able to sit it out across the ocean” if it relaxes restrictions on Ukraine’s missile usage, adding that all equipment supplied by the West will inevitably be destroyed.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
The US is reportedly “close” to approving the shipment of long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine, despite persistent warnings from Moscow, as per Reuters. Officials speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that the missiles in question—Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles—could be deployed on US-designed F-16 fighter jets that have been provided to Ukraine by its Western allies.
The news agency stated that the inclusion of JASSMs in the upcoming weapons package for Ukraine is expected to be revealed this fall. Ongoing discussions about the missiles suggest that a final decision has yet to be reached, and they noted that the actual delivery of the weapons may take “several months” due to the need for US authorities to work through technical details.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, these JASSMs have the potential to allow Ukraine's military to target locations up to 300km within the Russian border, and even further—up to 500km—with certain longer-range and more specialized versions.
The report did not specify which variant of the missile the US might supply to Ukraine. A source indicated there are efforts underway to make the missiles compatible with other fighter jets already in Ukraine's arsenal, as the country has so far only received an initial batch of promised F-16s.
As for the provision of JASSMs, one source mentioned that it is regarded as a sensitive topic since it would prompt additional pressure on Washington to lift restrictions regarding Ukraine's use of its weaponry. While Ukraine has secured the approval from several Western nations to target “legitimate” objectives within Russia, US authorization has so far limited the use of its weaponry to defense against incursions rather than for “deep strikes” into Russian territory.
Kiev has been pressing its Western supporters for several months to broaden the permissible strike range and allow the use of Western weaponry for hitting targets deep within Russia. During a recent visit to the US by senior Ukrainian officials, they reportedly presented a list of targets that extend well beyond Russia’s borders.
Moscow has consistently warned the West against permitting Ukraine to strike its territory, considering such actions an escalation of conflict. Russian officials have also threatened to provide similar military support to adversaries of the West if their concerns are not addressed.
Moscow’s ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, commented on Ukraine’s target list, warning that the US “will not be able to sit it out across the ocean” if it relaxes restrictions on Ukraine’s missile usage, adding that all equipment supplied by the West will inevitably be destroyed.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
