US still considering Ukraine's request for strikes on Russia - Ukrainian Defense Minister

"We have explained what kind of capabilities we need to protect the citizens against the Russian terror that Russians are causing us, so I hope we were heard," Umerov said.

One of the latest official statements on this matter came from Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Tuesday: "You’ve heard us say that the Ukrainians can use US security assistance to defend themselves from cross-border attacks, in other words counterfire. But as it relates to long-range strike, deep strikes into Russia, our policy has not changed."

According to CNN, the United States has clarified that Kyiv should not expect another significant delivery of ATACMS due to limited US stockpiles and the lengthy time required for production.

Speaking ahead of a meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, a US official noted that many of Ukraine's high-value targets in Russia are beyond the range of ATACMS. Russian forces have moved their high-value military assets further from the front lines, including aircraft used to launch guided bombs.

However, Umerov stated that Ukraine has presented the US with a list of targets where ATACMS could be used.

"We are showing that the airfields that they are using to hit our cities are within the range of deep strikes," the Ukrainian minister said.

It should be noted that this week, Andriy Yermak, the head of the President's Office, and Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov are scheduled to meet with representatives of the Biden administration, aiming to persuade the United States to lift restrictions on the use of American weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

Following his meeting with Austin, Umerov did not provide any information on the issue of authorization for strikes on Russia. The Pentagon also declined to comment on the matter.