Ukraine not allowed to use long-range missiles in Kursk – Pentagon

The US will not allow the Ukrainian military to use American longer-range missiles for strikes deep into Russia, including in Kursk Region, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told a news briefing on Thursday. Kiev’s forces launched a major incursion into the Russian border region last week.

Kiev has repeatedly called to use certain weapons, including long-range ATACMS missiles, for strikes into Russian territory.

The continuing incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region has “reinvigorated” these calls, according to Ukrainian media, with leader Vladimir Zelensky reportedly insisting that such strikes would bring the conflict closer to an end.

ATACMS can hit targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers and can be launched by the US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers.

Asked about their use by Kiev on Thursday, Singh said that Washington had already “worked with the Ukrainians on setting those parameters” and that they “haven’t changed.”

According to the deputy spokesperson, the Pentagon believes the best way Ukraine can be effective is by trying to “push [Russian] forces back to regain their sovereign territory,” apparently referring to four former Ukrainian regions that joined Russia by referendum in 2022 but are still seen by Kiev as part of Ukraine.