Kuleba and Blinken further discuss ATACMS missiles

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held a phone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken on Aug. 7, discussing the long-fraught issue of providing Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles.

Read also: Biden and Zelenskyy discuss ATACMS missiles for Ukraine

“In our call, Secretary Blinken and I discussed further steps to broaden global support for the Peace Formula and solutions to expand grain exports,” Kuleba said in a Twitter post.

“I thanked the United States for all the assistance provided and stressed the need to enhance Ukraine's long-range capabilities by providing ATACMS.”

CNN, citing Blinken's press secretary, reports that they discussed " developments in Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts, recent conversations about a just and durable peace in Ukraine held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and long-term security arrangements between the two countries."

"The Secretary reiterated the United States’ staunch and ongoing support of Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s aggression and reaffirmed continued support of a strong Ukrainian military and accountable defense institutions," the statement said.

Read also: Kuleba says US won't give ATACMS missiles for ‘objective reasons’, despite Ukraine's needs

On July 12, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that he is considering providing long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.

According to the Washington Post, the United States remains reluctant to transfer the missiles to Ukraine due to their limited reserves.

Read also: UK Storm Shadow missiles hit strategic bridge in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, military confirms

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the provision of UK and French Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles to Ukraine did not affect Washington's position on long-range missiles. At the same time, U.S. lawmakers continue to urge Biden to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons, and the House of Representatives committee has supported a corresponding resolution.

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