"Biden and Zelenskyi are discussing the supply of ATACMS missiles," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said during the Aspen Security Forum. pic.twitter.com/J6zrImcd1x
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) July 21, 2023
The Biden administration is holding firm, for now at least, on its refusal to send long-range Army missiles to Ukraine despite mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and pleas from the government in Kyiv, according to U.S. officials.
The number of ATACMS in American stockpiles is fixed, awaiting replacement with the next generation, longer-range Precision Strike Missile, called the Prism, for PrSM, which is expected to enter service by the end of this year, officials said. Lockheed Martin still manufactures 500 ATACMS each year, but all of that production is destined for sale to other countries.
The ATACMS would allow Ukrainian forces to target the farthest reaches of Russian-occupied Crimea from their own current front lines, including the 12-mile Kerch Bridge and the Russian naval base at Sevastopol.
"There's no reason to give Ukraine just enough to bleed but not enough to win," Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.) said. "If we're going to be helping them, either go all in or get out." The resolution was backed by the committee's chief Democrat, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (N.Y.).
U.S. In No Hurry To Provide Ukraine With Long Range Missiles - The Washington Post
Pathetic.
