The Pentagon is blocking Ukraine from using US-made ATACMS long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, limiting Kyiv’s options in its defence. US officials cited concerns about escalating the conflict if the weapons are used against Russian territory.

A dramatic rise in Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries has sent gasoline prices in Russia to record highs, despite the government banning petrol exports to cope with the crunch.

The Pentagon has been quietly blocking Ukraine from using U.S.-made long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia, limiting Kyiv's ability to employ these weapons in its defense against Moscow's invasion,