The State Department supported, the Pentagon hesitated: WP on the decision regarding ATACMS strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The US government is contemplating allowing Ukraine to conduct ATACMS missile strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation, which is sparking intense discussions within the American administration. According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian leadership has made such a request to the US government, and although the Pentagon and the White House were opposed, the government itself supported this step. The final decision on using ATACMS for strikes against Russia was made due to the situation with North Korean troops who have sided with Russia. The Biden administration sees this as a way to deter Pyongyang from sending additional military contingents by demonstrating the potential for significant losses. The Biden administration's decision has also forced the United Kingdom to change its stance on the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine, as they contain American components. The White House aims to strengthen Ukraine's position ahead of upcoming negotiations with Russia, which may take place soon.