Ukrainian Armed Forces Face HIMARS Withdrawal Amid Shift in U.S. Support

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are on the verge of losing one of their most crucial assets: the HIMARS missile systems, renowned for their precision and effectiveness since their delivery by the United States in 2022. In a significant setback, the United States disconnected a vital data link essential for the operation of these systems as of 14:00 Kyiv time on March 5, 2025. This decision severely hampers the Ukrainian military’s ability to execute long-range strikes, rendering the HIMARS systems ineffective without real-time target information and coordinates.

Experts notes that this move has effectively paralyzed the HIMARS systems, which rely heavily on GPS satellite data and U.S. intelligence for guidance. With the capability to strike targets up to 80 kilometers away with conventional missiles and up to 300 kilometers with ATACMS, HIMARS has been a pivotal tool for Kyiv in targeting rear facilities. However, without American support, the Ukrainian Armed Forces risk losing this strategic advantage at a critical juncture when the front line is under intense pressure.

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. has begun to restrict the flow of intelligence to Kyiv, limiting access to information that was previously deemed essential.

Washington did not inform its European allies about these changes, leaving them bewildered by the evolving situation. Analysts attribute this shift to the change in direction under the Donald Trump administration, which, following its inauguration in January 2025, has signaled a desire to push Ukraine toward negotiations with Russia, even at the expense of military support.

Despite these challenges, European allies appear unwilling to abandon Kyiv. Sources within military circles suggest that several EU countries are prepared to act as a “lifeline” by secretly relaying coordinates for attacks to Ukrainian forces. However, this support may be limited to isolated launches rather than large-scale operations.