Envoy: US boosts Ukraine’s offensive capabilities with deeper strike missiles

The United States is providing Ukraine with deeper strike missile capabilities, a move aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s defence against Russia, US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said.

Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ The Story, Whitaker noted that the weapons package approved by President Donald Trump could also bolster Ukraine’s offensive capacity. He pointed out that Ukrainian forces have already damaged around 20 per cent of Russia’s oil refining capacity over the past month,” Caliber.Az quotes. 

“We are giving some deeper strike capabilities and most likely are going to use them,” he said. “President Trump is making sure Ukraine can continue to defend itself. By giving them some deeper strike capabilities that obviously could help them offensively.”

The ambassador added that Washington is pursuing a dual-track strategy, balancing military support with diplomatic efforts to keep both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in talks.

Whitaker also highlighted Trump’s use of broader geopolitical leverage, citing recently imposed US sanctions on India for its purchases of Russian oil. He noted that the White House still has “many cards left to play” in pressuring Moscow while maintaining dialogue.

By Sabina Mammadli