The ATACMS missile. Photo: US Department of Defence.
The Pentagon is refraining from transferring additional ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, fearing a reduction in its own strategic weapons stockpile, as the United States is increasing military assistance to various allies. This is reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to Slovoidilo.
According to U.S. officials, the U.S. government is currently considering options for purchasing additional ATACMS missiles from third countries to support the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, given the high demand for this type of weapon. In addition, President Joe Biden’s administration is actively seeking ATACMS from international allies to provide them with their existing stockpiles.
According to US sources and an adviser to the Ukrainian government, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin recently denied the priority delivery of ATACMS missiles requested by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Austin, the United States cannot violate existing agreements with purchasing countries and is limited by its obligations to other partners.
The US representative also stressed that in the future the Pentagon plans to replace ATACMS with the latest PrSM missiles, but the production of these missiles is currently underway and the required volumes have not yet been reached. This process is expected to take years to complete.
US aid to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration
It was also reported that Joe Biden’s administration intends to immediately allocate USD 6 billion in additional support for Ukraine. This is planned to be done before the inauguration of Donald Trump, which is scheduled for 20 January 2025.
BGM-109 Tomahawk missile in flight: Wikipedia.
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