Nevada Democrats add to calls for Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles

The Democratic delegation of Nevada lawmakers in Congress is calling on President Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided, long-range weapons to strike beyond Russia’s border, saying such operational bans hinder Kyiv’s path to victory and prolong suffering inflicted by Moscow.

In a letter exclusively obtained by The Hill, the Democratic senators from Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, joined by their House counterparts Reps. Dina Titus, Steven Horsford and Susie Lee, urged Biden on Thursday to reduce restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided weapons. 

“Granting Ukraine greater access to long-range weaponry would enhance its operational capabilities, enabling precise attacks that could disrupt Russian military operations,” the lawmakers wrote. 

“Throughout this conflict, Ukraine has consistently shown that, despite its challenges, it can overcome a formidable adversary when properly equipped. It is crucial for the United States and NATO allies to not only deter Russian aggression but to enable Ukraine to fight unhindered by restrictions.” 

The lawmakers cite Russian attacks on civilian sites in Ukraine as motivating their demands. 

“In July 2024, Russia struck Ukrainian cities with more than 40 missile types, killing 42 people and damaging a children’s hospital. Just this month, Russia struck Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which hit high-rise apartment buildings, leaving at least 21 wounded, including an 8-year-old child,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Russia also did not place restrictions on their weapons when it targeted Kharkiv earlier in August 2024, killing a 14-year-old girl when a Russian guided bomb hit a playground.” 

The letter was sent following Biden’s meeting Thursday afternoon with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and after the president announced $8 billion in new military assistance for Kyiv. 

But asked Sunday if the president had made a decision surrounding Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons, Biden responded “no.” 

Biden administration officials say they are constantly evaluating their support for and guidance to Ukraine for how U.S.-provided weapons are used — part of efforts to manage escalation with Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his top officials routinely threatening the use of nuclear weapons to deter American, European and other support for Ukraine. 

The United Kingdom has also held back on permitting Ukraine to use its long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike deep into Russia. 

Ukraine has shown a capacity to strike far across the Russian border, but officials argue that having a green light to use, in particular, American-provided long-range weapons would allow them to accurately strike Russian military targets and deliver decisive damage. 

And calls on Capitol Hill are increasing for Biden to give Ukraine more flexibility in hitting Russian targets. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the president to “ease restrictions” on the weapons’ use. That call followed a demand from six House Republicans who urged the president to lift restrictions. 

Alex Gangitano contributed to this report.