The United States of America is on the verge of making a decision on the transfer of AGM-158B JASSM missiles to Ukraine, which have a range that allows them to reach more than 50 regions of Russia, Reuters reports, citing American officials.

These missiles, known for their high accuracy and range, could significantly change the course of the conflict. According to US government officials, the delivery of JASSM will give the Ukrainian armed forces the ability to strike key military and infrastructure facilities in Russia. This, in turn, could “change the strategic balance of power” in the current standoff.

The AGM-158B JASSM is a precision-guided cruise missile that can be launched from the air and hit targets at a range of up to 1000 km. Such missiles are widely used by the US armed forces to destroy fortified facilities, infrastructure, and strategic targets deep in enemy territory. At the same time, their stealth and low visibility to radar make them an extremely dangerous tool for delivering surprise strikes.

According to Reuters sources, the transfer of these missiles to Ukraine could happen in the coming weeks, but the timing depends on Washington's final decision. The administration of US President Joe Biden views this deal as a critical step in supporting Ukraine, which could contribute to its defense and increase pressure on Russia. However, the question remains how Russia will react to such a step, since the Russian side has previously repeatedly warned that any strikes on its territory would be considered a serious escalation of the conflict.