This will be Ukraine's decision: Pentagon on use of long-range missiles to liberate Crimea

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder made this statement during an on-camera press briefing.

Thus, a US Air Force brigadier general answered journalists' questions about whether the delivery of long-range GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb) precision-guided rockets would be used to strike Russian military targets in Crimea.

Ryder noted that the ammunition will enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to hit enemy targets at a longer distance.

“When it comes to Ukrainian plans on operations, clearly that is their decision.  They are in the lead for those,” the Pentagon press secretary said.

At the same time, the general emphasized that he did not intend to discuss plans for future operations. He added, however, that work was underway to provide capabilities that would allow Ukraine's defenders “to be effective on the battlefield.”

• On Friday, February 3, the Pentagon announced a new USD 2.2 billion defense aid package for Ukraine, which includes long-range missiles.