Trump may approve Ukraine use of ATACMS for deep strikes in Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant escalation in Washington’s military assistance to Ukraine by allowing the use of long-range ATACMS missiles to strike targets deep within Russian territory, according to The Washington Post (WP).

According to a source directly involved in the discussions, Trump is expected to lift current restrictions that limit how Ukraine can deploy the U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). This could enable Kyiv to use the 18 long-range ATACMS missiles currently in its possession to strike military targets up to 300 kilometres (around 190 miles) away — a move that would bring several key Russian air bases, supply depots, and command centres within range.

“What Trump didn’t talk about is that the military assistance might also include authorization for some powerful new offensive weapons,” the source told The Washington Post. “This is likely to include permission to use the 18 long-range ATACMS missiles now in Ukraine at their full range of 300 kilometers.”

While this expanded use would not allow Ukraine to reach Moscow or St. Petersburg, it would mark a substantial shift in U.S. policy by opening the door to deeper strikes inside Russian-held territory — something the Pentagon has been quietly advocating for months.

“Each time the range limit was extended, the Russians simply moved their planes and other equipment beyond the Ukrainians’ reach,” the source explained. “That will be harder now.”

Military analysts suggest that such a move could change the strategic calculus on the battlefield, disrupting Russian logistics and eroding its aerial superiority by pushing key infrastructure out of reach from its current sanctuary zones.

There was also discussion of sending Tomahawk cruise missiles — the same type of precision weapon used in recent U.S. strikes against Iranian targets — but that provision has reportedly been shelved for now.

“The Tomahawks are off the delivery list for now,” the source confirmed. “They could be deployed later if Trump wants even more leverage.”

By Vugar Khalilov