The U.S. refused to provide Ukraine with long-range JASSM missiles and the Link 16 data exchange network – CNN

The commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, Christopher Cavoli, has provided the U.S. Congress with a list of weapons that Washington possesses but has not yet delivered to Ukraine, even though these systems could potentially help Ukraine.

This was reported by CNN, citing sources.

According to the channel, the list includes long-range JASSM missiles for F-16 aircraft, which are capable of hitting targets up to 370 km away, and the Link 16 data exchange network, which ensures seamless communication between combat systems and is particularly useful for air and missile defense command and control.

The list was presented to Congress at the beginning of last month as part of a classified report on the Biden administration’s strategy for Ukraine.

The report does not explain why the U.S. ultimately decided not to provide these systems. A source told CNN that the JASSM missiles would be ineffective for Ukraine unless it gains air superiority, while the U.S. is hesitant to provide Link 16 out of concern that NATO technology could fall into Russian hands.

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico controversially suggested striking Brussels with a missile in response to calls for allowing Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes against Russia.