The US has quietly imposed a policy preventing Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal .
Since spring, Ukraine has been required to secure approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before deploying ATACMS offensively. At least one Ukrainian request to target inside Russia has reportedly been denied.
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This reversal signals a significant shift from the Biden-era policy, which had briefly permitted such strikes. The move underscores U.S. concerns about escalating the conflict and diplomatic risks, even as President Trump has voiced support for Ukraine’s offensive capabilities while also urging a push toward peace talks.
Analysts say the new “vetting process” aligns with broader U.S. efforts to limit escalation and maintain control over the conflict’s trajectory.
