The United States is close to an agreement to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles that could reach deep into Russia, but Kyiv will have to wait several months as the United States works through technical issues before delivery, said U.S. officials.
The inclusion of joint air-to-surface standoff missiles (JASSM) in the weapons package is expected to be announced this autumn, three sources told Reuters news agency, although no final decision has been made. The sources declined to be named.
Sending JASSMs to Ukraine could significantly alter the strategic balance of the conflict by putting more of Russia within range of precision munitions — a major concern for the Biden administration.
Military analysts say JASSMs, which are stealthy and can strike further than most other missiles currently in Ukraine’s inventory, could push Russian staging areas and supply depots hundreds of miles back.
Hellbound and Down 