The Ukrainian counteroffensive creates doubts in Washington and the ultra Republicans are willing to turn off the tap on economic and military aid.
One thing and another did not seem to be a good omen. Until he received the push from the White House and his firm decision to continue arming Kyiv.
After visiting the UN General Assembly, President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to the federal capital of the United States. He had a clear mission after verifying that the fervor he found during his visit last December has given way to skepticism, if not rejection, among the conservative ranks, who now control the lower house and have power over the treasury.
“If you don't help us, we will lose the war,” he told the senators. His speech did not resonate with the ultras, who oppose giving out more checkbooks. Luckily for him, Joe Biden welcomed him and communicated a decision that, according to experts, may be relevant to the development of the war conflict.
After long rejecting pleas from Zelensky and his generals, the Biden administration agreed to provide the Ukrainian army with a version of the so-called ATACMS, long-range missiles loaded with cluster bombs instead of a single explosive charge. Discussions between various departments and Pentagon leaders concluded with an agreement and put the issue in the hands of the president.
The ATACMS armed group (corresponds to the initials of the army's tactical missile system), has a range of up to 306 kilometers. This may allow Ukraine to launch attacks against targets far behind the war front. Command posts, ammunition depots and logistics routes inside Russia, beyond the established defense lines, will then be placed on the target.
At least two missiles launched by Ukrainian forces hit the barracks of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea on Friday. Military sources explained that the attack on the port of Sevastopol occurred with Storm Shadow missiles, with a shorter range than the ATACMS, supplied by France and the United Kingdom.
Ukraine, with the support of American lawmakers, began making this request last year. Biden went from “no” to “we'll see.” Until he gave his approval, an issue in which a possible cut in money to continue supporting Ukraine seems to have been decisive.
The administration rejected initial concerns that Kyiv, which has required hundreds of long-range missiles, would use them to attack inside Russian territory. However, the Pentagon still worries that removing enough missiles from relatively small military arsenals to make a difference on the Ukrainian battlefield will undermine the US military's readiness for other potential conflicts.
This issue was not addressed at any time in the statements that both Biden and Zelensky made publicly at the White House, where a new batch of 325 million in aid was announced, especially in air defense systems. But, according to various media, the host promised the guest that the US would provide these missiles “in small numbers.” This weapon will begin shipping in a matter of weeks. The Washington Post reported that this weapon will contain cluster bombs, a munition that has been widely criticized for what it assumes is that it turns the territory into a mined area, which is then dangerous for civilians.
“I believe that on most of the issues that we discussed with President Biden we will reach an agreement,” said Zelensky during his visit to Canada regarding this weapons contribution.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, clarified that “there are constant conversations between the US military and Ukrainian allies about what is needed in each phase.”
