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US secretly altered Himars rockets it gave Ukraine so they couldn't be fired into Russia

The US secretly altered the Himars rocket launchers it gave Ukraine - HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The US secretly altered the Himars rocket launchers it gave Ukraine - HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The US secretly altered the Himars rocket launchers it gave Ukraine so they cannot be used to strike Russian territory, according to officials in Washington.

The Biden administration took the step to avoid the US escalating tensions with Moscow and being drawn into a wider conflict.

Washington has supplied Kyiv with 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers (Himars) since June.

It has also sent a large supply of satellite-guided rockets with a range of almost 50 miles, which have been used to strike high-value Russian targets on Ukrainian territory.

But US officials told the Wall Street Journal the Pentagon disabled the Himar launchers' ability to fire long-range missiles.

Zelensky agreed not to strike Russia with Himars

The revelation underscores the steps Joe Biden's administration has taken to reduce the risk of the US being drawn directly into the war.

The US president has previously said: “We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine. Direct conflict between Nato and Russia is World War III, something we must strive to prevent.”

The Pentagon has refused to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of hitting Russian territory.

The Kremlin has described long-range missiles as a "red line" which would make Washington "a direct party to the conflict".

The Biden administration also secured a commitment from Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, that the Himars would not be used to strike within Russia's borders.

The secret modifications would suggest some lingering fears among US officials despite that promise.

The US has supplied Kyiv with 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers (Himars) since June - AP / The Olympian
The US has supplied Kyiv with 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers (Himars) since June - AP / The Olympian

It came as two Russian air bases were hit with explosions on Monday, and Ukrainian military officials hinted at their ability to strike deeper within Russian territory,

There is no evidence to suggest that weaponry provided by the US was involved in the strikes.

The Biden administration has also refused to provide Gray Eagle MQ-1C drones amid Pentagon concerns that they could hit targets in Russia.

Mr Biden's cautious approach has been criticised in some quarters, with some European allies suggesting the prohibitions have given Moscow licence to act with virtual impunity.

The adaptations to the Himars involve modifications to both their hardware and software, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Pentagon's spokesman, Gen. Patrick Ryder, declined to comment on the modifications.

“Due to operational security considerations, we do not comment publicly on the configuration of systems provided to allies and partners,” he said.

“The United States remains committed to providing Ukraine the capabilities it needs to counter Russian aggression.”