US Blocks Ukraine From Using Long-Range Missiles Amid Push for Peace Talks
US defense officials have reportedly blocked Ukraine from using American-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia since late spring, as part of the Trump administration’s effort to push Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Saturday.
The Pentagon has restricted Kyiv’s access to Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms), despite their proven battlefield impact. Two senior US officials told the Journal that at least once, Ukraine attempted to use these missiles but was denied under a strict “review mechanism” crafted by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary for policy. This framework dictates how US-made long-range weapons — or those provided by European allies but reliant on American intelligence — can actually be deployed.
The restrictions don’t just apply to Atacms. Britain’s Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which depend on US targeting data, also fall under this system, according to both American and British officials.
Under this process, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth holds final approval over any use of the Atacms, which boast a range of nearly 190 miles (305 km). While the Biden administration had previously greenlit Ukraine to strike inside Russia with these systems back in November — after North Korean troops entered the war — the Trump administration has reversed course.
Before taking office in January, Donald Trump criticized that decision in an interview with Time magazine, saying:
“I strongly disagree with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia. Why escalate this war? That should never have been allowed.”
It remains unclear whether this review mechanism marks a formal policy shift, but it highlights the tightening control over US munitions as America’s own stockpiles grow thinner.
In response to the Journal’s findings, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s stance:
“President Trump has been very clear — the war in Ukraine must end. There has been no change in the military posture at this time.”
Yet, Trump himself appeared to send mixed signals last week, suggesting that Ukraine cannot win unless it can “play offense”:
“It’s nearly impossible to win a war without striking the invader’s homeland. A team with only defense and no offense has zero chance of victory.”
Meanwhile, the US has agreed to supply Ukraine with new weapons systems — but only if European nations foot the bill. Despite Trump insisting that America is “not looking” to provide longer-range missiles capable of reaching Moscow, officials confirmed that the administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (Erams) air-launched missiles, with a striking range of 280 miles (400 km).