According to a report by Huanqiu.com, the US "Wall Street Journal" quoted American officials on Aug. 23 local time as revealing that the Pentagon has been preventing Ukraine from using long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia for several months.
Officials disclosed that since the end of spring this year, an undisclosed high-level approval process within the US Department of Defense has consistently blocked Ukraine from launching any US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at targets inside Russia. Two officials stated that on at least one occasion, Ukraine sought to use ATACMS to attack Russian territory but was denied. This approval process is ultimately decided by US Secretary of Defense.
The report indicated that the Pentagon's approval requirements effectively overturned a decision made by former US President Biden in the final year of his term, which allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS to strike targets within Russia.
In response, the Pentagon and Ukrainian officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The White House Press Secretary stated in a declaration, "President Trump has been very clear that the war in Ukraine must end. There has been no change in the current military situation between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary Hagesse is fully aligned with President Trump."
Additionally, according to two US officials and one British official, this approval process also applies to Ukraine's use of the "Storm Shadow" cruise missile, as it relies on targeting data provided by the US. The British government declined to comment on this matter.
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