US Considering Long-Range Missile System to Boost Ukraine Effort: Report

The Biden administration is considering upping aid to Ukraine's defense effort to include a long-range missile system, sources told the Wall Street Journal, which could be provided just as Russia is reeling from a military mutiny by its mercenary forces.

President Biden has yet to approve the missiles.

The Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, has a range of about 190 miles, which would allow the Ukrainians to strike Russian targets far behind the front lines.

Debate among American officials over providing the new system continues amid concerns that the firepower could significantly expand the conflict, with Ukraine possibly increasing strikes on Russia, sources noted to the Journal.

But sources said some opponents, "namely" in the White House, appear to be softening, according to the Journal.

A boost in weaponry power would come at a time when Russia and President Vladimir Putin appear weakened.

Wagner Group mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin last Friday accused the Russian military of attacking his troops and moving into Russia to seize the city of Rostov-on-Don and Russia's southern military headquarters there.

He and his fighters were heading to Moscow when Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal last Saturday with Prigozhin to stand down and move to Belarus.