Zelensky's Weapons Wishlist—What Ukraine President Wants From Biden

It is likely that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will be wanting more military aid from the U.S. than President Joe Biden is prepared to deliver.

Biden is reportedly expected to reveal a $2 billion military aid package on Wednesday during Zelensky's visit to Washington Wednesday, where he will also address Congress.

"President Zelensky's visit is well-timed, coming on the heels of continued resistance by the Ukrainian forces, and as the U.S. Congress is nearing approval of an omnibus budget package that will include another $27 billion in support for Ukraine," retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett told Newsweek in a statement.

"The symbolism of this visit, as the first time that Zelensky has traveled outside Ukraine since the Russian invasion, also underscores the sustained and vital bond between the United States and Ukraine," said Murrett, a professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

The Washington Post reported that Biden's announcements will include the much sought-after Patriot missile defense system. Politico said that it will also include a wealth of artillery plus Joint Direct Attack Munition kits which can turn unguided fighter jet bombs into guided ones.

Ukraine has been pushing for the Patriot systems to counter Russia's continuous barrage of missiles and Iranian-supplied drones that have devastated civilian and energy infrastructure. However, Zelensky will reportedly make the case for other weapons.

Someone familiar with the discussions told Politico that Zelensky will ask for long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), as well as Grey Eagle and Reaper drones.

Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon for comment.

Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)

The surface-to-surface ballistic missiles developed by Lockheed Martin and first used during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, have a range of up to 190 miles. This would allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-held territory.

They can be fired from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) as well the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) which the U.S. has already supplied to considerable effect.

However, the U.S. is reluctant to send these weapons for fear that they would escalate the war and provoke Russia to strike back in kind. In May, Biden ruled out sending any weapons to Kyiv that "can strike into Russia," without specifying which systems he meant.

The Gray Eagle

Ukraine's military has long sought the MQ-1C, or "Gray Eagle," drone. It carries up to four Hellfire missiles and can remain airborne for up to 27 hours before refueling and has a range of 2,500 nautical miles.

More than a dozen U.S. senators from both major parties are pushing the Biden administration to provide Ukraine with a fleet of the drones which could attack Russian warships in the Black Sea.

However, there are concerns that the technology could end up in Russian hands if one is downed. CNN reported in November that the Pentagon has been looking into modifying the drone to safeguard its technical aspects if it is downed.

Reaper drones

The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone is a larger and better-armed cousin of the iconic Predator drone and has been described by MilitaryMachine.com as an "unparalleled airborne assassin."

Ultra-quiet and with a low radar profile, the drone can stalk a target for up to 14 hours before deploying two tons of ordnance "with pinpoint accuracy," according to the website.

Earlier in December, Politico reported that the U.S. Air Force made a pitch to send its older Reaper drones to Ukraine soon after Russia invaded. But like the situation with the Gray Eagle, the Pentagon was concerned about the transfer of sensitive technology and what might happen if they were shot down.