US close to supplying Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles - Reuters

The United States is close to a decision to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles that can reach Russian territory. However, Kyiv will have to wait several months while the US resolves technical issues before delivery.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Reuters.

The inclusion of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) in the arms package is expected to be announced this fall, three anonymous sources said, although a final decision has not yet been made.

According to the officials, sending JASSM missiles to Ukraine could significantly change the strategic landscape of the conflict, as much of Russia's territory would be within range of the powerful precision munitions, an important issue for the Joe Biden administration.

Military analysts have suggested that the introduction of JASSM missiles, which are stealthy and can strike farther than most other missiles in Ukraine's inventory, could push Russian concentration areas and supply depots hundreds of miles away.

This would severely hamper Russia's ability to conduct offensive operations and potentially provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage.

Launching them from points near Ukraine's northern border with Russia could allow them to hit military targets as far away as the Russian cities of Voronezh and Bryansk. In the south, dropping them near the front line could allow them to strike airfields or naval facilities in Crimea.

Author - Olena Madiak, 03/09/2024