The United States has indicated that it does not bar its allies from supplying certain weapons to Ukraine, a position clarified by Victoria Nuland, the Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs. The clarification came during remarks reported by TASS and framed a broader discussion about allied participation in military aid to Kyiv.
In discussions about the possible transfer of a wide range of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, Nuland stated that she was not aware of any US policy that would prevent partners from delivering such weapons to Ukraine. This assertion underscored Washington’s emphasis on allied initiative in providing security assistance and highlighted a stance that, within the public record, leaves room for allied discretion rather than a centralized export ban.
During the same briefing, the Deputy Foreign Minister avoided commenting on target selection for Ukrainian military operations and refrained from discussing whether the United States had offered guidance or directives on specific missions. The response reflected a careful separation between strategic policy and operational planning, suggesting that Washington seeks to clarify broad parameters while withholding tactical details.
The remarks were delivered at a Center for Strategic and International Studies event in Washington, where observers noted that policy signals from Washington often balance public messaging with behind‑the‑scenes diplomacy.
Earlier on February 22, Nuland also conveyed that Washington rejects pauses or what she described as artificial peace efforts in Ukraine, signaling a preference for ongoing support aligned with strategic objectives.
On the same day, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator, indicated that the United States was open to the possibility of supplying extended-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, a stance that reflected continuing debates about deterrence, risk, and regional balance.
Previously, a former ambassador to Russia had suggested that Ukrainian officials were acting as a screen for broader NATO plans, a claim that has circulated in analyses of the alliance’s posture and the alignment of Western security guarantees with Kyiv’s needs. Attribution: Source TASS, 2024-02-22.