The Ukrainian advance into Russia’s Kursk region has amplified calls for the U.S. to reconsider its policy that limits Kyiv from using American-made weapons for deep strikes within Russian territory. If this restriction were lifted, Ukraine could potentially consolidate its gains in Kursk, using long-range systems like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to target strategic locations such as airfields and logistical hubs.
The advance has also challenged the Kremlin’s longstanding narrative that any incursion into Russian territory is a red line, one that has often deterred the U.S. from approving long-range strike capabilities. Despite these developments, Russia has not escalated in response to the Kursk offensive, leading to increased pressure from Ukrainian officials for the U.S. to lift the long-range strike restrictions.
Ukrainian advance in Kursk fuels calls for U.S. to lift restrictions on long-range weapons for deep strikes into Russia
Analysts, including Steven Horrell from the Center for European Policy Analysis, argue that this offensive demonstrates that there are no longer any red lines in the conflict and that the U.S. should support Ukraine more robustly.
The surprise attack on Kursk, part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to divert Russian forces and destroy key military assets, has resulted in territorial gains. However, Ukrainian forces continue to face challenges from Russian air attacks, which officials believe could be mitigated by lifting restrictions on long-range weapons.
Despite these calls, the U.S. remains hesitant, reflecting a broader cautious stance within NATO that influences other allied nations to also hold back on providing Ukraine with long-range capabilities.
