Media: The United States is preparing to transfer long-range missiles with cluster bombs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces

The administration of US President Joe Biden is close to approving the sending of long-range missiles filled with cluster munitions to Ukraine, writes Reuters, citing sources in Washington.

We are talking about ATACMS tactical missile systems with a range of up to 306 km and GMLRS-controlled MLRS with a range of up to 72 km. It is clarified that the Ukrainian Armed Forces artillery is currently armed with 155-mm shells capable of carrying up to 48 cluster submunitions. A single ATACMS missile can carry about 300 bombs, while a GMLRS can carry up to 404. The US could send one or both of these systems.

According to the agency, the White House, amid “signs of progress” in the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counter-offensive, is seeking to strengthen the Ukrainian army at a “vitally important moment,” but a final decision on supplies has not yet been made.

In July, The Washington Post reportedthat the US authorities do not plan to transfer ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine, at least in the near future, continuing to adhere to the refusal to send such weapons to Ukraine, despite “growing pressure from American legislators” and Kiev.

ATACMS weighs about 2 tons, the cost of one guided missile is about $1.5 million. Their firing range reaches 300 km; such missiles can be launched using HIMARS MLRS, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces already have. These missiles were developed in the 1980s. and were used, among other things, during the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The publication then noted that only about 4,000 ATACMS missiles had been produced over the entire period, many of which had already been used by the US Army in combat, as well as as part of exercises and tests. In addition, about 900 missiles were sold to allies, including 211 after the start of the special operation in Ukraine.

The White House announced the transfer of cluster munitions to Kyiv in early July. Washington acknowledged the danger of such weapons for civilians, noting that Ukraine provided the United States with written guarantees that the ammunition would be used “with caution.” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said then that if cluster munitions are supplied to Ukraine, the Russian military will be forced to use similar weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.