Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has confirmed that the Biden administration is still considering his request to lift restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons to strike deeper inside Russian territory. Umerov stated that he presented a list of targets in meetings with senior officials in Washington, emphasizing the need for capabilities to protect Ukrainian citizens from Russian aggression.
However, the US is not expected to loosen restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at this time. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder reiterated that while Ukraine can use US security assistance for defense against cross-border attacks, the policy on deep strikes into Russia remains unchanged.
Ukraine's limited supply of US-provided long-range missiles has led to the US indicating that Kyiv should not expect a significant delivery of ATACMS due to inventory constraints and production timelines. Despite this, Umerov has pushed back on assessments that many high-value Russian targets are out of ATACMS range, presenting a list of targets that could be struck.
Ukraine has utilized its existing ATACMS supply to target Russian assets in occupied Crimea, with the entire peninsula falling within range of the missile. Umerov emphasized the need to lift ATACMS restrictions to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from Russian attacks.
The US has prioritized providing air defenses to Ukraine, diverting $2 billion in assets to Kyiv and placing them at the top of the list for such support. Umerov also addressed the recent firing of the Ukrainian Air Force commander, stating it was a separate issue from the death of a pilot in an F-16 crash, which is currently under investigation.
As Ukrainian forces advance into the Russian oblast of Kursk, Umerov highlighted the focus on increasing capabilities to repel Russian forces from temporarily occupied territories. Meanwhile, Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine towards the strategic city of Pokrovsk, with casualties mounting on their side.
President Zelensky aims to present a plan for victory at the United Nations General Assembly in September, involving discussions with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and former President Trump.
