The top US general in Europe, Christopher Cavoli, has pushed for air-launched cruise missiles from Pentagon stockpiles to be sent to Ukraine, CNN reported on Tuesday. Cavoli, who leads Washington’s European Command (EUCOM) and serves as a senior NATO commander, has been heavily involved in coordinating Western military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that any such initiative will lead to a strong response, and will be interpreted as direct Western involvement in the conflict.
According to CNN, Cavoli outlined the potential benefits of providing these missiles as part of a classified strategy presented to Congress by President Joe Biden’s administration in September. The general’s recommendation is part of a broader effort to equip Ukraine with advanced military capabilities after Russian forces recorded a string of successes in recent months.
Air-launched cruise missiles, such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), could allow Ukraine to strike targets at a longer range than its current arsenal permits. This capability is seen as crucial in disrupting Russian supply lines and command centers located far behind the front lines.
CNN’s report, based on unnamed sources, indicates that Cavoli’s proposal reflects a growing push within the US military to escalate its support for Kiev, as it loses ground. While the Pentagon has yet to confirm these discussions, the strategy wouid mark a shift in the types of weaponry being considered for delivery.
No official decision has been made on whether the Biden administration will move forward with providing cruise missiles, and the idea could face resistance in Congress, where some lawmakers – notably Republicans – have expressed concerns about the risks of further escalating the conflict.
This report comes as Ukraine continues to request more advanced weapons from its Western backers, seeking to bolster its defenses as the conflict with Russia drags on.
Moscow has consistently viewed Western military aid to Ukraine, including the provision of advanced weapons like cruise missiles, as a dangerous escalation. Russian officials have previously stated that Western arms supplies only prolong the war and heighten tensions, accusing the US and its allies of using Ukraine as a proxy to weaken Russia. The Kremlin has signalled that it will interpret the deployment of long-range cruise missiles as a significant provocation.
The Ukrainian army has a similar capability with a longer range of 550km in the form of UK/French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which it has been firing from Soviet-era military aircraft.
Another capability reportedly mentioned by Cavoli is the Link 16, a military tactical data sharing system used by NATO members.
Kiev has long requested JASSMs and Link 16 systems, although the US has been reluctant to share these capabilities, CNN reported. Unnamed sources told the news network that the US government is concerned that Russia would be able to study secret military technology, should Kiev be allowed to operate it.
Last month, Zelensky traveled to the US to promote his ‘victory plan’, which reportedly requires continued Western assistance, attacks with Western long-range weapons deep inside Russia, and other measures, which critics said amounted to a “wish list.”
In a regular update on Monday, Zelensky described his plan as a work in progress, which would be finalized “once we fully understand all the positions of our partners and the real possibilities for Ukraine.” He urged sponsors “to define how they envision the end of this war” and Ukraine’s future place in the world.
CNN reported that Biden’s strategy “defined victory only in vague terms of Ukrainian sovereignty and self-determination.”