Ban on Ukrainian strikes with Western weapons on Russia has divided the US and the EU - WP.

The US refusal to permit strikes deep into Russia with missiles has deepened the rift among allies. The use of American missiles for attacks on military targets in Russia is being discussed in the Biden administration and Congress, and it has raised eyebrows among the US's European partners, many of whom have publicly supported such strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would like to have the ability to use missiles for strikes on Russia, but obtaining this permission has not yet occurred, according to two anonymous officials. Media reports suggest that Zelensky will make this request at his meeting with Biden in Washington.

Among the important aspects of Zelensky's plan is the possibility of attacking airfields on Russian territory with missiles. Ukraine needs coordinates from American military bases in Europe for precise strikes with Western weapons. However, the US sometimes refuses to provide these coordinates, and Russian targets selected by Kyiv may remain invulnerable.

"Weapons are often used against less important targets," said one official.

US officials argue that Ukraine's limited stockpile of ATACMS missiles will not have a significant impact on the battlefield and will result in the depletion of missile supplies in a matter of weeks or even days. Experts from the White House and the Pentagon believe that Ukrainian leaders have not provided compelling enough arguments to lift the ban on strikes. Additionally, they fear the risk of escalating the conflict.

Source: UNIAN