Pentagon opposes transfer of long-range missiles to Ukraine

The Pentagon. Photo: AP

NBC stated: "The administration (of US President Joe Biden) has rejected Ukraine's request to transfer long-range missiles because of concerns that this type of weapon could cause a dangerous reaction from Russia, and the highest-ranking officials of the Pentagon also oppose this idea."

According to Pentagon officials, Ukraine could use ATACMS ballistic missiles against targets in Russia, which could lead to escalation.

Earlier, in a phone call with his US counterpart Antony Blinken, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the West's provision of weapons to Ukraine only prolongs the conflict, prolongs the suffering of the Kiev government and increases casualties. The Russian Federation has also sent diplomatic notes of protest to all countries, including the US, about the provision of weapons to Ukraine. Foreign Minister Lavrov noted that any shipment of weapons to Ukraine will become a legitimate target of Russia./.