US congressmen call on Biden to supply ATACMS to Ukraine

US lawmakers are once again calling on President Joe Biden to provide long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. Both Republicans and Democrats are in favor of the decision, Politico writes.

A group of members of the House of Representatives led by Congressman Jason Crow addressed the American president in a letter.

“The war in Ukraine has become a conflict of grinding attrition. We can and must help break this stalemate. By swiftly providing the Ukrainian forces with these additional capabilities, we can significantly improve their chances of victory, restore peace to Europe, and ensure a more stable and prosperous world,” the lawmakers wrote.

Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it will not use US weapons for strikes on Russian territory. Therefore, such assistance will not cause an escalation of the conflict, the members of Congress are convinced.

In addition to ATACMS, representatives of Republicans and Democrats are asking Biden to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and other air defense systems (for example, Patriot) and accelerate the supply of M1 Abrams tanks. 

ATACMS are American tactical missiles with a range of more than 466 kilometers. The weapon has been the subject of intense debate for months.

Earlier, President Joe Biden stated that the United States of America is considering providing ATACMS long-range missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the White House spokesman later reported that the administration’s policy on this issue has not changed. Therefore, the supply of missiles is still unlikely – the States justify this by the risk of reducing the stocks of such shells in the American army.