Report: Biden Approves Provision of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine

President Joe Biden told Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the U.S. will provide Kyiv with a small number long-range missiles to help in the war against Russia, NBC News reported Friday.

NBC News based the report on information from three U.S. officials and a congressional official.

Zelenskyy has sought Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, which can conduct long-range strikes at Russian forces.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Biden administration officials were revisiting Ukraine’s request for ground-based missiles.

Zelenskyy’s forces want the ATACMS weapons to boost Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which is progressing slowly against Russia’s extensive defenses in southern Ukraine. The missiles can strike from 100 to 190 miles away, the Journal reported.

There was no indication when the missiles would be delivered or when a public announcement would be made, NBC News reported.

Defense Department officials have said the U.S. does not have a large stockpile of excess ATACMS, which have a bigger payload than traditional artillery.

Some U.S. officials have expressed concerns that providing the ATACMS to Ukraine could widen the war with Russia.

The ATACMS weapons include various types of missiles. A congressional official told NBC News that discussion about the type of missile and how many would be sent to Ukraine was ongoing.

Eastern Europe allies have already given Ukraine large portions of their weapons stockpiles, NBC News reported.