The Biden administration may be close to approving the shipment of longer-range missiles to Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to inflict considerable damage deeper within Russian-occupied territory.
The administration has until now rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's requests for the long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems known as ATACMS, which Kyiv says it needs to make major advances against Russia.
But, the slow progress of Ukraine’s spring and summer counteroffensive has underscored the need for additional weapons capabilities.
In addition to giving Ukrainian crews much greater standoff distance when striking Russian positions – making it more difficult for the Russians to fire back – ATACMS could also help Ukraine reach targets in Crimea more easily.
Reports that the Biden administration may be nearing a decision on sending the missiles come as Zelensky is expected to meet with President Biden and members of Congress after appearing at The UN’s Annual Gathering In New York.
