ATACMS for Ukraine not ruled out, no decision made so far: Kirby

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Sep 2023 00:10
1 Shares

Media reports pointed out that the Biden administration is planning to unveil a military assistance package worth $325 million for Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby (AP)

Spokesperson for the White House National Security Council John Kirby stated on Wednesday that the possibility of providing long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine is still being discussed with no definitive decision made regarding the weapon supply to Kiev at this time.

"ATACMS are not off the table," Kirby said during a press briefing. "We continue to have discussions here in the inner agency about that particular weapon system, but no decision has been made."

He further announced that President Joe Biden will reaffirm the enduring commitment of the US to support Ukraine in the upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which is due on Thursday afternoon.

"[Ukrainians] are going to continue to need all the support that they can get to keep that advance going, and that’s what the president is looking forward to in this meeting, is getting a battlefield perspective directly from Ukraine’s commander in chief, but also making it clear to President Zelenskyy that we’re going to continue to be with them for as long as it takes," Kirby said during a press briefing.

"We are firmly in support of moves toward Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization," White House's John Kirby said.

Earlier today, a congressional source told Sputnik that Biden is expected to unveil a substantial assistance package for Ukraine during Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington.

"I'm hearing Biden will announce a significant aid package tomorrow when he meets with Zelensky," the source said.

Media reports pointed out that the Biden administration is planning to unveil a military assistance package worth $325 million for Ukraine.

This package is expected to encompass additional provisions such as cluster munitions, 155mm artillery shells, Avenger air defense systems, stinger defense systems, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and GMLRS rockets designed for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), among other items.

When approached by Sputnik, a spokesperson from the White House National Security Council declined to comment on whether the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles would be included in this package.

However, as per a statement from a Defense Department official to Sputnik, there have been no changes in the US' stance on refraining from supplying ATACMS missiles to Kiev.

Media reports, citing officials, suggest that the US is unlikely to authorize the provision of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in the near future.