Why US won't approve deep strikes into Russia: Pentagon chief explains
Photo: Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense (Getty Images)
Russia has redeployed aircraft which is used for bombing strikes, beyond the range of ATACMS. The United States is focused on helping Ukraine become more effective, stated Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin during a press conference on the sidelines of Ramstein on Friday, September 6.
According to Austin, no weapon alone can decide the outcome of a war. Therefore, the focus should be on helping Ukraine be successful in defending its territory.
"There are a number of ways to accomplish this. There is no one capability that will be decisive in this campaign. We had a discussion about tanks and other capabilities, and each time we point out that it's not just one thing, it's a combination of capabilities. We will remain focused on doing everything we can to ensure that they (Ukrainian Armed Forces - ed.) have what they need to be successful and to create the right dynamics on the battlefield, to create some opportunities that may help Ukraine better defend its territory," Austin said.
As for authorizing the use of ATACMS for deep strikes on Russian territory, Austin believes that Ukraine has its own weapons for this purpose.
He says that Ukraine already has significant capabilities of its own to attack targets beyond the capabilities of ATACMS or Storm Shadow. Russia has moved its aircraft, which it uses to launch guided air bombs, beyond the range of ATACMS. The United States is focusing on helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces be more effective in defending its territory.
What happened before
Partners restrict Ukraine from using the transferred weapons to strike Russia. The United States has authorized attacks only near the border, prohibiting strikes on airfields with enemy aircraft.
Because of this, Ukraine cannot destroy carriers of guided bombs that attack its cities. John Kirby noted that the United States continues to discuss these issues with Ukraine privately.
The Times also wrote that the United States has been unable to respond to a British request to allow Ukraine to attack Russian territory with Storm Shadow missiles for a month.
