Ukraine’s Strikes on Russia Won’t Change the War, Says US
While the US announced another $250 million in security aid for Ukraine, Austin highlighted that Russia had already moved certain aircraft out of range of the weapons Ukraine has received, such as US-supplied ATACM missiles.

London. At a meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Ramstein Air Base, Germany, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Ukraine’s long-range strikes into Russia are not likely to be a game-changer in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged Western nations to allow his forces to use their long-range weapons on Russian targets, but Austin responded, saying there was no single capability that could turn the tide of the war.
While the US announced another $250 million in security aid for Ukraine, Austin highlighted that Russia had already moved certain aircraft out of range of the weapons Ukraine has received, such as US-supplied ATACM missiles. He pointed out that Ukraine has other methods, including drones, to strike deep within Russia, but cautioned against the idea that these strikes alone would be decisive.
Zelensky, attending the meeting for the first time, argued for the need to strike Russian territory to push Moscow towards peace talks. Several of Ukraine’s allies, including Lithuania and Estonia, supported this stance. However, many Western nations are still hesitant, fearing that attacks deep inside Russia could provoke a larger conflict.
In the meantime, countries like Germany and Canada pledged further military aid, with Germany promising more self-propelled howitzers and Canada planning to send surplus rockets and warheads.
The talks come as the war continues to evolve, with Ukrainian forces making advances into Russia’s Kursk region, while Moscow intensifies missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
Despite these developments, Austin emphasised that the outcome of the war will depend on many factors and not just Ukraine’s ability to strike within Russia’s borders.