The United States will not transfer MQ-1C Gray Eagle extended-range drones to Ukraine to avoid escalation with the Russian Federation.

The Wall Street Journal informed about this refusal with a reference to its own sources.

WSJ noted that the U.S. President Joe Biden administration won’t give Ukraine advanced drones despite pleas from Kyiv and a bipartisan group of members of Congress.

“The Pentagon declined the request based on concerns that providing the Gray Eagle MQ-1C drones could escalate the conflict and signal to Moscow that the U.S. was providing weapons that could target positions on Russian territory,” the WSJ wrote.

A representative of General Atomics, which produces the MQ-1C drones, also confirmed that the company had been informed of the decision.

“This showcases the limitations on the kinds of weaponry Washington is willing to provide for Ukraine’s defense,” The Wall Street Journal noted.

However, the company refused to comment on this situation. Pentagon officials didn’t also make any comments on the issue yet.

U.S. officials have also expressed their concern that the technology could be stolen if the aircraft were to be shot down. However, such concerns weren’t a central aspect of the decision.

Members of Congress from both parties have pushed the U.S. president administration to give Ukraine the Gray Eagle drones, which can perform both reconnaissance and combat missions.

In June, it was reported that the United States might supply Ukraine with four MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones. The reconnaissance and strike UAV can fly up to 30 hours, developing a speed of up to 280 km/h.

These drones can be armed with Hellfire guided missiles or guided aerial bombs designed to engage armored vehicles and other ground targets.

As previously reported, in April, Ukrainian officials met in Washington with representatives of General Atomics.