US Considers Supporting 'Long-Range Rockets' That Could Change the Course of the Russia-Ukraine War... "Concerns Over Escalation"

Consideration of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and High-Speed Mobility Rockets Requested by Zelensky

Multiple launch rocket warheads of the United States. / Photo by Yonhap News Agency, provided by Lockheed Martin

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The U.S. government is reportedly considering providing Ukraine with advanced long-range rocket systems.

According to the U.S. CNN network, on the 26th (local time), multiple sources within the U.S. administration stated that the Biden administration plans to announce military and security support measures for Ukraine as early as next week. This time, the plan is leaning toward including the provision of advanced long-range rocket systems on a larger scale than previous weapons support.

The weapon system under consideration by the U.S. is the "Multiple Launch Rocket System" (MLRS). This is a weapon that Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, has continuously requested from the West since the Russian invasion.

CNN reported, "(The MLRS) has a range several hundred kilometers longer than any rocket Ukraine currently possesses," and "Ukrainians claim this weapon system could change the tide of the war against Russia."

Another weapon is the "High Mobility Artillery Rocket System" (HIMARS). It is lighter and more mobile than the MLRS, with a maximum range of up to 300 km depending on the type of projectile.

The Biden administration has reportedly been deliberating over the support plan for such long-range rocket systems at the National Security Council (NSC) over the past few weeks. Sources explained, "There are concerns that Ukraine might use long-range weapon systems to strike Russian territory."

At two meetings held last week at the White House, this issue was reportedly treated as a top priority. Sources said, "There is concern that if Ukraine uses U.S.-supplied long-range weapons to strike Russian mainland, it could be seen as a provocation by the U.S. and trigger Russian retaliation."

Therefore, CNN reported that the Biden administration is also considering an alternative plan to provide short-range rocket systems instead of long-range ones.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website that "supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of striking Russian territory would be a serious step that could cause an unacceptable escalation."