The administration of US President Joe Biden decided not to supply ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 300 km to Ukraine, which caused a stormy reaction in Congress. The reason for the refusal was fears of Russian retaliatory measures, in particular, a possible withdrawal from the START-3 treaty and the start of a new arms race. Russia could deploy thousands of nuclear-tipped missiles aimed at US and NATO bases in Europe, a White House source emphasized.

However, the State Department and Secretary of State Blinken have expressed support for the idea of ​​supplying these missiles to Ukraine. The Pentagon also claims that the supply of limited quantities of such weapons will not affect US interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Despite divisions within the administration, pressure on Biden is growing in Congress. Letters demanding the transfer of missiles to Ukraine regularly come from Republicans and Democrats. Some Republican lawmakers have already spoken out against approving a new $24 billion aid package for Ukraine without weapons guarantees.