Former deputy head of the Pentagon: Ukraine does not need ATACMS missile systems now
Former US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs Colin Kahl said on July 20 that Washington is convinced that there is no need to supply Ukraine with ATACMS tactical missile systems.
He noted that when drawing up military aid packages, the United States proceeds not only from Ukraine's requests, but also from its own needs.
"We no longer produce ATACMS. This is a very valuable commodity, and it will be useful to us in case of an unforeseen situation anywhere in the world, be it the DPRK or China. Therefore, if we delivered them in substantial quantities, it would directly affect our own readiness," Kahl said at a security forum organized by the Aspen Institute.
According to him, Ukraine already has the ability to strike at a great distance, since the UK has delivered Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and the French have handed over SCALP missiles. Kahl expressed the opinion that the problem with the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) is not limited to the ability to "strike in depth."
"The problem is not at a distance of 100 km, but at a distance of 1 km from them, where the minefields are located. Therefore, we will continue to support them in this and provide the necessary military assistance," concluded the former deputy head of the US defense Department.
Earlier, on July 17, the Pentagon said that Ukraine has all the necessary weapons for a counteroffensive, but does not remove from the agenda the issue of the possibility of supplying Kiev with operational and tactical missile systems ATACMS. It was also stated that on July 18 they will discuss further assistance to the Kiev authorities, which may include air defense (air defense) and artillery.
On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the country's draft defense budget for fiscal year 2024, which will cost about $886 billion. The document provides for the allocation of $80 million, which will go to ATACMS for Kiev.
Dmitry Belik, a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said in an interview with Izvestia on July 12 that the United States is trying to balance between delivering another military aid to Ukraine and doing it carefully and calculating the subsequent risks. Therefore, there are disputes on this issue in Washington. Thus, he commented on the information of The New York Times newspaper that "quiet debates" are taking place in the administration of US President Joe Biden about the possible transfer of ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine.
On June 29, The Wall Street Journal reported on the readiness of the American administration to approve the supply of ATACMS complexes to Kiev. According to the publication, the issue of supplies is in the process of approval at the highest level.
The initiative to provide Kiev with ATACMS missile systems was presented on June 9 by a group of American congressmen, announcing the introduction of a resolution of the House of Representatives from both parties. In it, they called on the US presidential administration to provide Ukraine with ATACMS as soon as possible to achieve "significant success on the battlefield."
Western countries have increased military and financial support for Kiev against the background of the Russian Federation's special operation to protect Donbass, which has been held since February 24, 2022. The corresponding decision was made in connection with the aggravation of the situation in the region due to attacks by the Ukrainian military.
