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US May Include Long-Range Missiles in Ukraine Aid Package: Axios

US May Include Long-Range Missiles in Ukraine Aid Package: Axios
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Yesterday, 21:48

The United States is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine that may include long-range missiles capable of reaching Moscow, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

President Donald Trump is reportedly overhauling his administration’s approach to supporting Ukraine, with plans to authorize the delivery of offensive weapons for the first time since taking office. The new package is expected to be announced on Monday.

Trump told reporters the weapons, funded by European countries, would include “various units of very advanced military equipment,” such as Patriot air defense systems.

Two sources told Axios that the package might also include long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory, including the capital. However, they added that a final decision had not yet been made.

Axios notes that the shift in U.S. policy was influenced by a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 3, during which Putin reportedly outlined plans for a new offensive aimed at capturing all occupied Ukrainian regions within 60 days.

“He wants to take everything,” Trump reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron following the conversation, according to a source familiar with the exchange.

U.S. officials hope the inclusion of longer-range weapons could alter the course of the war and increase pressure on Moscow to consider a ceasefire.

Missile systems for Ukraine
Axios did not specify which missiles are under consideration. However, the mention of potential strikes on Moscow suggests a range of at least 500 kilometers.

Two missile systems appear to meet these parameters: the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and the air-launched JASSM-ER cruise missile.

The PrSM began entering service with the U.S. Army in 2023–2024 as a replacement for ATACMS missiles. It can deliver a 91 kg warhead up to 500 km. However, the system has not been widely exported, and the U.S. previously declined to sell it to Norway, making deliveries to Ukraine unlikely.