Strikes on Russia: White House advises against lifting restrictions for Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to an unnamed US official speaking to the news agency, the Pentagon and intelligence recommendation stated that lifting the restrictions would not have a strategic impact and would not change the course of the war. It was also emphasized that the drawbacks of such a decision would outweigh the benefits.

In particular, the Pentagon and intelligence agencies reminded that Russia has moved over 90% of its aircraft beyond the range of ATACMS, making it mistaken to assert that this would solve the problem of strikes on Ukraine with guided aerial bombs.

Another reason is that Ukraine does not have a sufficient number of ATACMS missiles. Additionally, the US cannot provide such weapons from its stocks, as supplying them would harm the combat readiness of the American armed forces.

The source added that it would be irresponsible for Washington not to consider Russia's possible reaction, given that it is a "nuclear power capable of doing very bad things both to Ukraine and to the US."

However, according to the Fox News source, concerns about escalation are not the only factor restraining President Joe Biden. Intelligence assessments suggest that if the restrictions were lifted, Russia would simply move its assets beyond the reach of long-range missiles.

Strikes on Russia

It should be noted that Ukraine is receiving long-range missiles from its Western allies, but its use remains limited. In particular, the Armed Forces of Ukraine cannot strike military targets located deep within Russian territory.

Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed his plan for victory, which includes allowing the use of Western weapons at the discretion of the Armed Forces.

Just yesterday, on October 23, John Kirby, the White House Coordinator for Strategic Communications, assured that the US position on Ukraine's long-range strikes has not changed.