CNN: US military complies list of American weapons systems that Ukraine repeatedly requested
The US military's top commander in Europe has identified American weapons that could aid Ukraine's fight against Russia, but have not yet been provided by the Biden administration.
The top US military commander in Europe, Gen. Chris Cavoli, compiled a list of American weapons systems that could aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia, according to a report delivered to Congress last month, CNN reports.
According to sources familiar with the report, the list, attached as an annex to a report on the Biden administration’s Ukraine strategy, includes the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and the Link 16 communications network, both of which Ukraine has repeatedly requested.
The report comes as Ukraine continues to lobby for more advanced weaponry from the United States. During a recent White House meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented President Joe Biden with a list of targets inside Russia that he wants to hit using US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles.
Long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles would reportedly help Ukraine to hit Russian military bases, from which Russian forces launch attacks on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” also focused on obtaining approval for the use of long-range weapons against targets inside Russia.
CNN reports that Cavoli’s list does not address why the US hasn’t provided systems that he assesses would be of value. However, US officials expressed concerns about sensitive technology falling into Russian hands, which may be the reason for withholding the Link 16 system.
According to CNN’s sources, Biden, who has to date prohibited the Ukrainians from deploying the missile systems for deep strikes into Russia, was not entirely dismissive of the request. However, the President remained non-committal on changing the current policy.
US officials argue that the limited supply of ATACMS is “better used against targets in Crimea (occupied by Russia)” and that Russia has moved valuable targets beyond the missiles’ 180-mile range.
The Biden administration is working to ensure Ukraine has the support it needs through 2025. This is allegedly partly due to “Trump-proof” US security aid in case of a change in administration. This includes NATO’s new mechanism for facilitating aid and military training, launched in July.
Read also:
- ISW: West may underestimate benefits of long-range strikes for Ukraine
- NYT: Biden faces pressure to allow Ukraine longer-range strikes on Russia
- ISW: Ukrainian drone attack on Russian ammo depot in Tver proves value of long-range strikes
