“Shifting Red Lines in West’s Support for Ukraine” By Reuters

By Max Hunder

KYIV – More than 30 months into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has depended significantly on weapon supplies from Western allies to counter its much larger adversary.

At times, Kyiv’s partners have hesitated to provide the requested military aid due to concerns about potential escalation of the conflict. However, as the war has progressed, various weapons systems have been eventually delivered after initial reluctance.

Currently, Ukraine is seeking permission from the United States and its allies to utilize longer-range missiles that have been supplied, aiming to strike deeper within Russian territory. Kyiv argues that this would help reduce the threat posed by Russia.

Some NATO nations have supported Ukraine’s request, but the U.S. is balancing this against worries over how Moscow might respond. Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that such actions would be perceived as direct Western involvement in the conflict.

Here’s a summary of some of the weapon systems that Western nations were initially reluctant to provide to Ukraine but later agreed to supply:

ATACMS
Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has requested the ability to strike beyond Russian lines to disrupt enemy logistics and command structures. The U.S. initially withheld Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) over fears of escalating the war. However, in October 2023, a short-range version with a maximum range of 165 km (100 miles) was supplied. This was followed by deliveries in early 2024 of a longer-range variant capable of reaching up to 300 km (165 miles). A U.S. official noted that the first use of this missile occurred during an attack on an airbase in Crimea on April 17.

F-16s
From the onset of the invasion, Ukraine sought F-16 fighter jets to enhance its long-range strike capabilities and defend against cruise missile attacks from Russia. Ukrainian pilots began training on the aircraft in August 2023, following extensive negotiations among the coalition partners. The first confirmation of delivered planes came on July 31, 2023. Since then, one aircraft has reportedly crashed while attempting to intercept Russian missiles.

WESTERN TANKS
Although Eastern European allies initially supplied Soviet-era tanks, Ukraine expressed a strong desire for Western-built tanks, such as the British Challenger 2 and the German Leopard 2. After protracted negotiations, approval for these transfers was granted in January 2023. Germany had delayed its decision out of concern that it could provoke Russia, but eventually allowed the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks from its own and other nations’ stockpiles.

STRIKES ON RUSSIA
For over two years, the United States restricted Ukraine from using any of its weapons systems to strike Russian territory. However, following a Russian offensive in May 2024 near Kharkiv, Washington shifted its policy under pressure from Kyiv. President Joe Biden secretly authorized Ukraine to target military locations in Russia that were aiding the assault near Kharkiv.