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The Donald Trump administration is equipping the Ukrainian military with “deeper strike capabilities,” allowing it to hit targets further into Russia, according to Matt Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO. Whitaker spoke to Fox News on Friday.
Why It Matters
President Trump has made a concerted effort to end the war in Ukraine, meeting Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. However, Putin has thus far shown no willingness to negotiate, despite calls for a ceasefire and his refusal to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump hopes that supplying these “deeper strike capabilities” will pressure Putin towards a peace deal with Ukraine.
What To Know
Whitaker said the U.S. is providing some deeper strike capabilities, most likely allowing Ukraine to use them. This contrasts with Joe Biden’s administration, which previously approved the use of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles by Ukraine. ATACMS have a range of about 190 miles.
Ukraine had long requested permission to use longer-range Western weaponry, but instead relied on its homemade drones for attacks deep into Russian territory. The U.S. State Department recently approved the sale of 3,350 extended range attack munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, valued at an estimated $825 million.
During his Fox News appearance, Whitaker said Trump was using a two-pronged strategy involving peace talks and pressure to end the war that began in February 2022 when Russian troops invaded Ukraine. On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced it had approved the sale of ERAM missiles to Ukraine.
Whitaker also mentioned that the U.S. is selling about $1 billion worth of arms each month to Ukraine, which NATO allies are now funding instead of the American government itself.
On Thursday, Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, using nearly 600 drones and other weapons. Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries in retaliation.
The Trump administration has also imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India in response to the country’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil.
What People Are Saying
Whitaker said President Trump understands he needs to keep Putin and Zelensky at the negotiating table, despite the war not ending overnight. He added that this is not Trump’s war but his goal is to end the violence.
A White House official stated: “President Trump and his national security team continue to engage with Russian and Ukrainian officials towards a bilateral meeting to stop the killing and end the war.”
The official concluded: “As many world leaders have stated, this war would never have happened if President Trump was in office. It is not in the national interest to further negotiate these issues publicly.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen what specific capabilities the U.S. has provided Ukraine and their impact on the conflict.
