The Biden administration has not yet provided the US military’s top commander for Europe with weapons that could help Ukraine fight Russia.
CNN reports that Gen. Chris Cavoli compiled a list last month of American weapons systems which could help Ukraine in its battle against Russia.
Sources familiar with the report say that the list, which is annexed to a report about the Biden administration’s Ukraine strategy, includes both the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Link 16 communication network, both of whom Ukraine has repeatedly requested.
The report comes at a time when Ukraine continues to lobby the United States for more advanced weapons. During a recent White House Meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented President Joe Biden a list of Russian targets that he wanted to hit with US-provided ATACMS long-range missiles.
According to reports, long-range weapons such as ATACMS missiles and Storm Shadow missiles could help Ukraine hit Russian military bases from which Russian forces launch their attacks on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” also centered on obtaining approval to use long-range weapons in Russia against targets.
CNN reports that Cavoli’s list doesn’t address why the US didn’t provide systems that he believes would be valuable. US officials have expressed concern about sensitive technology falling into Russians’ hands, which could be the reason why the Link 16 system has not been provided.
CNN’s sources claim that Biden, who has so far prohibited the Ukrainians to deploy missile systems to conduct deep strikes in Russia, did not dismiss the request completely. The President was non-committal about changing the current policy.
US officials claim that the limited supply ATACMS missiles is “better used to target targets in Crimea” (occupied by Russia), and that Russia has moved valuable objectives beyond the missiles’ range of 180 miles.
The Biden administration works to ensure Ukraine receives the support it requires through 2025. This is partly due to the fact that US security aid has been “Trump-proofed” in case there’s a change of administration. This includes NATO’s new mechanism to facilitate aid and military training launched in July.
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