WASHINGTON — Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, delivered a direct plea to Congress on Wednesday for advanced weaponry. "We need the missiles," Markarova said during a Capitol Hill briefing. Her remarks reflected Ukraine's demand for long-range precision strike capabilities as the conflict continues in Eastern Europe.
The request specifically targets Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMS. Ukraine has consistently argued these systems are critical for disrupting Russian supply lines and command centers deep behind front lines. Current U.S. military aid packages have included other armaments but limited the transfer of these long-range systems. The Biden administration previously expressed concerns about potential escalation if such weapons were used to strike inside Russia.
U.S. defense contractors stand to gain from increased military aid to Ukraine. Lockheed Martin, the primary manufacturer of ATACMS, could see new contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars if the administration approves the transfer. The company spent $15.8 million lobbying Congress and federal agencies in 2025, according to OpenSecrets data, targeting defense appropriations and foreign military sales.
Congressional support for Ukraine remains strong, but internal debates persist over the specific types of weaponry provided. A bipartisan group of 32 House members recently sent a letter to President Trump urging faster delivery of advanced systems, arguing that better-equipped Ukrainian forces would accelerate an end to the conflict and reduce overall U.S. financial commitments long term.
The House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to debate the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act next week. The legislation will determine the scope of future U.S. military assistance to allies, including Ukraine. Lawmakers will consider amendments on specific weapons transfers and overall aid levels, with defense industry lobbyists active on Capitol Hill.
