Ukraine eyes ATACMS strikes; US deliberates on approval

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has developed an interactive map highlighting 245 Russian military targets that Ukraine could strike with ATACMS missiles if they receive permission from the US.

The list compiled by ISW includes, among others, field camps, installations supporting Russian forces in Ukraine, as well as headquarters for regiments, brigades, and divisions, ammunition warehouses, and military airfields. The locations of these targets have been verified and confirmed.

Yesterday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the US "is preparing to grant such permission." He further added, "Russia has its own nuclear doctrine, which is currently being modified," and warned "Western nuclear powers" against supporting Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

On Tuesday, Politico reported that "Kyiv is ready to provide Washington with a list of targets in Russia that could be hit by American long-range weapons," and Kyiv officials are making a "last attempt" to convince the US to grant permission for the attack.

The West's lack of agreement to use weapons for deep attacks into Russia does not mean that Ukraine will not undertake such actions. Kyiv may use its domestically produced weapons, including the "Palanyca" missile drone. This drone's successful strike was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the 33rd anniversary celebrations of regaining independence.

"Ukraine is preparing a response with its own produced weapons," said Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, commenting on another massive Russian missile attack on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure that took place on August 26.