Pentagon: US limits Ukraine’s attack range to prevent larger conflict

The Pentagon reiterated its stance in favor of allowing Ukraine to use American weapons for long-range strikes deep inside Russia, citing concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder explained the reasons for this policy in an interview with Voice of America.

“We do not want any unintended consequences, any escalation that could turn this conflict into a larger conflict,” said Ryder.

He stressed that while the United States had allowed Ukraine to use American ammunition for cross-border counterfire and defensive strikes, its policy on long-range strikes remained unchanged.

Ryder noted Ukraine’s calls to lift restrictions on long-range weapons such as ATACMS missiles, but stressed that the current approach is aimed at preventing an escalation of the conflict.

“We do not underestimate the threat Russia poses to Ukraine,” he said, adding that the United States would continue to work with Ukraine to ensure it has the necessary means to defend its sovereign territory and people.

The Pentagon spokesman also addressed questions about the effectiveness of F-16 fighter jets, which are unable to attack Russian air defense systems deeper inside Russia, noting that the U.S. and its allies are working to ensure Ukraine can effectively maintain and use these aircraft once they arrive.

Regarding the newly announced command center in Wiesbaden, Ryder explained that it will focus on interoperability and complement the existing Ukraine Defense Contact Group. He stressed that meetings will continue in the Ramstein format, which will involve over 50 countries to meet Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs and long-term requirements.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder also confirmed that President Biden had announced the deployment of five strategic air defense systems in Ukraine, including a US Patriot battery. Ryder did not give any specific timelines for security reasons. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, especially in light of the recent Russian missile attacks.

Regarding the training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on various weapons systems, Ryder noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have already been trained on Patriot systems and ongoing training is taking place in Europe. He added that the international coalition is working with Ukraine to identify training needs for a wide range of operations, not only for Patriot systems but also for various weapons and capabilities.

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