Ukraine to Recieve $850 million in ERAM Missiles, Deliveries Delayed Amidst Trump Negotiations
Kyiv, Ukraine – August 26, 2024 – A package of ERAM long-range missiles, valued at $850 million and primarily funded by European countries, is slated for delivery to Ukraine. However, the shipment has been postponed, coinciding with negotiations between former U.S.President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, according to a report published Saturday, August 23, by The Wall Street Journal.
The ERAM missiles, classified as “air-to-surface,” are notable for their versatility, featuring a modular design allowing them to target both land and naval objectives. Their range extends from 240 to 450 kilometers.
U.S. officials, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, indicated that Ukraine will require Pentagon approval to utilize the ERAM missiles. As of publication,the U.S.State Department had not responded to requests for comment regarding the matter.
ATACMS Missile Deliveries and Restrictions
The report also details the prior delivery of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, authorized by the Biden governance in 2023. Initial restrictions on using thes missiles to strike within Russian territory were lifted in the fall of 2024 following north Korea’s military support for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The most recent ATACMS missiles arrived in Ukraine this spring. Though, American officials report that Kyiv currently possesses only a limited number of these missiles. As late spring 2024, the Pentagon has reportedly prohibited Ukraine from using ATACMS missiles to strike targets within the Russian Federation. This policy mirrors previous restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, which initially limited the scope of Ukrainian strikes with these weapons.
The delay in ERAM missile deliveries adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing military aid situation for Ukraine, especially as it intersects with the evolving political landscape and ongoing negotiations involving key international figures.
