Provision of long-range ATACMS to Ukraine has never been removed from consideration – Kirby
The US is actively discussing its needs with Ukraine, including the future provision of ATACMS missiles with a longer range.
This was stated by the coordinator of the US National Security Council, John Kirby, during a briefing at the White House.
– Medium- and long-range missile capabilities are important for Ukraine. It receives some of them from other countries. We have already provided a version of ATACMS missiles, known as APAM, – he emphasized.
According to him, the transfer of long-range ATACMS was never removed from consideration.
– This is still an integral part of the discussions we are conducting with the Ukrainian side, – said Kirby.
At the same time, he noted that until Congress approves additional funding, the US cannot provide new aid to Ukraine.
– Now we are in a difficult situation. We cannot even send artillery shells to Ukraine. So for now, we’re continuing to talk to them about their needs – and as I said, ATACMS is not off the agenda,” – he added.
The first ATACMS in Ukraine
On the night of October 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine made precise strikes on the airfields in the temporarily occupied Berdyansk and Luhansk.
Nine helicopters of the Russian Federation, special equipment, an air defense installation, ammunition depots were destroyed, and airstrips were damaged.
After the operation, there were speculations that this was the result of the first use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine. Subsequently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s use of these missiles.
