Pentagon blocks Ukraine long-range strikes inside Russia

Pentagon Undersecretary Elbridge Colby designed an approval system requiring Defense Secretary Hegseth's permission for every Ukrainian ATACMS strike inside Russia, confirmed Aug. 24, 2025

The review system covers U.S.-made ATACMS and European long-range weapons that require American technical support for effective targeting

Ukraine was rebuffed on at least one occasion when requesting ATACMS strikes against Russian military targets inside Russia

The Pentagon approval process contradicts civilian control principles where elected officials set foreign policy and military implements orders

President Zelensky directly appealed for long-range strike permissions while Pentagon bureaucracy blocked the requests without public explanation

Ukraine develops domestic weapons like the FP-1 drone and Flamingo cruise missile designed to strike Russian territory without requiring U.S. approval

Congress appropriates Ukraine military aid funds but lacks oversight of Pentagon targeting restrictions imposed through executive branch bureaucracy