Amid ongoing discussions about sustaining military support for Ukraine, the U.S. government has ruled out transferring long-range cruise missiles that could be used by the recently acquired F-16 fighters of the Ukrainian Air Force. The decision halts a formal request from Kyiv to receive JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), which would enable precision strikes at long distances.
The announcement was made by President Donald Trump, who clarified that his administration is not considering the delivery of missiles capable of allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory. “We are not looking into that possibility,” the president said when asked by reporters.
Despite the refusal to provide cruise missiles, official sources indicated that the U.S. government does not rule out the transfer of other offensive weapon systems. In recent weeks, Trump held talks with European allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which the issue of Ukraine’s ability to target strategic Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg was raised.
The topic sparked concern in Kyiv, although Trump later clarified that he does not support operations targeting the Russian capital. “They should not attack Moscow,” he stated, adding: “I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m on the side of humanity.”
It is worth noting that, despite the rejection of cruise missile transfers, the United States confirmed this week that it would resume shipments of MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles—a key system for bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses amid increasing Russian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones. The delivery of Patriots had previously been suspended by the Pentagon due to the depletion of U.S. stockpiles, but Trump decided to resume transfers under a co-financing scheme with the European Union.
This move was accompanied by a commercial ultimatum to Russia: a 50-day deadline before the implementation of a new tariff package, unless progress is made toward a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
The Patriot missile transfer operation includes an agreement with Europe, which will reimburse 100% of the cost to the United States, facilitating the weapons flow without impacting Pentagon resources. “They will pay us 100%, and that’s how we want it,” Trump emphasized. He also met this week with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, several European countries have taken additional steps to sustain Ukraine’s defensive effort. The United Kingdom, for example, has decided to use funds frozen under sanctions against Russian citizens and companies to finance the delivery of up to 300 ASRAAM missiles to Ukraine, at an estimated cost of £70 million. For his part, President Zelensky continues to call for more air defense equipment. In addition to the Patriots, Ukraine is requesting AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for NASAMS systems and FIM-92 Stingers for Avenger platforms, aimed at countering Russian bombardments.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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