The US promised Kiev the GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb) missiles in early February, but did not give a timeline for delivery. They are manufactured by Boeing and Saab and are considered important for a Ukrainian counter-offensive. Ukraine has had the Himar missile launcher system for some time. These missiles have a range of 80 kilometers.

In response to Ukraine's use of the Himars missiles, Russian forces lengthened their supply lines and, in particular, moved their weapons and ammunition depots further from the front lines.

Western states have opposed the delivery of longer-range systems, fearing they could be used in an attack on Russian territory, which could lead to an escalation. For its part, Kiev has repeatedly assured that it will only use them to attack targets in occupied territory.