Top US Republicans advocate long-range missiles for Ukraine

Reuters reported the information.

In a letter to Biden, top Republicans on congressional foreign relations and armed services committees emphasized Ukraine's urgent need for deep-strike capability, particularly to target areas throughout Crimea. They welcomed the reports that the administration provided some limited-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine but requested more extended-range systems.

"Ukraine's requirement for deep-strike capability remains urgent, particularly to range targets throughout Crimea," wrote Representatives Michael McCaul and Mike Rogers and Senators James Risch and Roger Wicker.

The Republicans sent this letter as the Republican-majority House of Representatives moved toward a vote on a standalone bill providing aid to Israel, defying President Biden's request for a broader USD 106 billion national security funding bill that includes funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. The US lawmakers noted that Ukraine has requested long-range ATACMS and has demonstrated the ability to employ them responsibly, with no escalation from Russia in response to their use.

They urged President Biden to "finish the job on ATACMS," emphasizing that "The costs of failing to do so not only risks stalemate on the battlefield and the further protraction of this war, but also threatens further global instability as our adversaries conduct influence operations around the globe."