US will send long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, Biden told Zelensky

ATACMS missiles could expand Kyiv's ability to hit warehouses, logistics facilities and command centers. Photo: www.army.mil < p>Joe Biden has reportedly promised Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington will provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles, meeting a key request from Kiev as it seeks to make further gains in its counteroffensive.

On Friday, US media reported that President Biden made the pledge during a bilateral summit at the White House on Thursday, after which a new $325 million package of US arms and aid was announced.

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Last tranche of support did not include ATACMS missiles, which have a range of 190 miles, about 40 miles further than anything currently in its arsenal.

But Jake Sullivan, Mr. Biden's national security adviser, said that they “will not remove this issue from the agenda.”

US Defense Department officials later told NBC and the Washington Post that Biden informed President Zelensky that the weapons would be available in the future, although he did not give a specific date.

The Pentagon declined to confirm this. was there any promise about ATACMS to Mr Zelensky during Thursday's meetings at the Pentagon, saying: «As far as ATACMS is concerned, we have nothing to announce.»

Biden reportedly made a promise to Zelensky at a meeting at the White House. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The White House declined to comment on the reports.

Mr. Biden has previously rejected requests from Ukraine for a range of military equipment, including Stinger surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and artillery pieces. Howitzer,” but agreed to the latest increase in support amid continued pressure from Kiev.

The ATACMS missiles would allow Ukrainian forces to strike stockpiles, air defense systems, logistics facilities and command centers deep behind Russian defense lines.

But there are concerns in Washington that the missiles, which have limited supplies, could expand. conflict outside Ukraine or encourage Vladimir Putin to use heavier weaponry against Zelensky's forces.

Mr. Sullivan said on Thursday that Mr. Biden was «in constant conversation with both his military and his counterparts in Europe, as well as with the Ukrainians themselves, about what is needed on the battlefield at any stage of the war.”

He added that the White House “will ensure that we can provide our own delayed deterrence.” and defense needs.»

Despite the latest support package, which included M1 Abrams tanks, Mr. Biden is under pressure from Republicans in Congress to cut US spending on support for Ukraine.

His latest request for $24 billion in additional federal funding has become a flashpoint for fiscal hawks and other opponents of the war.