Forbes: Ukraine could have destroyed dozens of Russian planes, but the US banned to use ATACMS

Earlier this summer, Ukraine could have destroyed dozens of Russian aircraft at the Malshevo airbase near Voronezh in Russia. Kyiv had asked the US for permission to strike the base with ATACMS missiles, but Washington refused.

Forbes reports:

«For months, Ukrainian government officials have been asking their foreign allies for permission to use the best weapons available—including powerful ballistic missiles—to hit Russian military aircraft parked in the open at airfields in Russia, within a short flight distance of Ukrainian cities. For months, these allies have been evasive, citing the risk of escalation.»

It is noted that earlier this summer, the 47th Guards Bomber Regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces parked dozens of Su-34 fighter-bombers, out of about a hundred in service in Russia. These aircraft are the carriers of the guided bombs that the Russian army has been using extensively.

The Malshevo airbase is quite well protected, so Ukraine asked the US for permission to strike this airfield with ATACMS missiles, which would be virtually impossible to shoot down.

However, the administration of US President Joe Biden said no.

«Our policy has not changed. As before, Ukraine will only have the right to attack targets with ATACMS in Russia-occupied Ukraine», — Jake Sullivan told reporters last month.