What's happened
The U.S. has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, expected to arrive in about six weeks. The sale aims to enhance Ukraine's self-defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia, with funding from Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The move follows recent restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles inside Russia.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Implications
The approval of ERAM missiles signals a significant escalation in U.S. military support for Ukraine, providing Kyiv with a substantial increase in precision strike capability. The missiles' range covers over a third of Ukraine, enabling attacks on key Russian targets from safe distances.
Political Dynamics
This move underscores the complex U.S. approach to the Ukraine conflict, balancing support with restrictions to avoid escalation. The delay in approval reflects diplomatic sensitivities, especially in light of recent meetings between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy.
Future Outlook
The deployment of these missiles will likely intensify Ukraine's offensive operations, but U.S. restrictions on strikes inside Russia may limit their full potential. The ongoing review mechanism suggests future restrictions could tighten, impacting Kyiv's strategic options.
Broader Impact
This sale exemplifies the broader geopolitical contest, with the U.S. aiming to strengthen Ukraine while managing escalation risks. The support from European allies indicates a unified front, but the restrictions highlight the delicate balance of military aid and diplomatic negotiations.
What the papers say
The story is primarily based on reports from The Moscow Times, Business Insider UK, South China Morning Post, and Bloomberg, all confirming the sale of ERAM missiles to Ukraine. The articles collectively emphasize the scale of the support, the strategic rationale, and the political context, including recent restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range missiles inside Russia. Notably, The Wall Street Journal provides detailed insights into the delay in approval and the U.S. review mechanism, highlighting the cautious approach taken by Washington amid diplomatic efforts. The coverage from different outlets underscores the importance of this sale in the broader Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy, with some variation in focus—ranging from technical details to geopolitical implications.
How we got here
The sale of ERAM missiles to Ukraine is part of ongoing U.S. military support, initiated during the Biden administration, to bolster Kyiv's ability to target Russian assets. The approval process was delayed following meetings between U.S. President Trump, Russian President Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, amid efforts to encourage negotiations and ceasefire talks. The missiles' range of up to 287 miles allows Ukraine to attack within Russian-controlled territory, though U.S. guidance restrictions may limit strikes on Russian soil.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is the US Sending Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine Now?
The United States has recently approved the sale of long-range missiles to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its support for Kyiv amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This move raises questions about the timing, strategic implications, and potential risks involved. Why now, and what does this mean for the broader conflict? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development and what it could mean for global security.
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What Do Long-Range Missiles Mean for Ukraine's Defense?
The U.S. has recently approved the sale of long-range missiles to Ukraine, a move that could significantly impact the ongoing conflict with Russia. These missiles, capable of striking targets over 280 miles away, are seen as a game-changer by some experts, while others warn of potential risks. Understanding what this means for Ukraine, Russia, and global security is crucial. Below, we explore the implications of this decision and answer common questions about long-range missiles and their role in the Ukraine conflict.
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Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper, which is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and an archipelago of 443 named islands, with the largest being