Pentagon blocks Ukraine long-range missile strikes in Russia

The Pentagon has quietly implemented a high-level approval process that effectively blocks Ukraine from using US-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia, limiting Ukraine's offensive capabilities against Moscow. This review process, initiated in late spring, requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's authorization for such strikes and also applies to British Storm Shadow missiles due to their reliance on US targeting data. Ukrainian requests to use ATACMS against Russian targets have been denied at least once, and the system includes a rating mechanism to assess weapon stock levels before approval is granted. Despite this restriction, Ukraine has previously carried out strikes inside Russia using US-supplied ATACMS, including a notable attack in November 2024 on a Russian military facility, but its missile stock may be running low. US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the ongoing war, criticizing the inability to secure a peace deal and suggesting either imposing massive sanctions on Russia or withdrawing from the peace efforts. Trump also stated that Ukraine has "no chance of winning" without the ability to strike inside Russia, though he previously opposed authorizing such strikes under the Biden administration.