Ukraine’s military has significantly improved its counter-offensive capabilities by deploying long-range ballistic missiles secretly provided by the United States. This is the first reported use of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russian forces, targeting strategic locations in occupied Ukrainian territories, such as a Russian military airfield in Crimea.
The introduction of ATACMS, which can strike targets up to 300 kilometers (approximately 190 miles) away, almost doubles the range of previously supplied mid-range weapons. This leap in striking distance enables Ukrainian forces to reach deeper into occupied territories and target logistical and command centers without breaching the frontline. Admiral Christopher Grady, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated, “long-range weapons will help Ukraine take out Russian logistics nodes and troop concentrations that are not on the front lines.”
The decision to supply these weapons comes after President Joe Biden approved the delivery in early March and included a “significant” number in a $300 million aid package. The Biden administration has faced mounting pressure to enhance Ukraine’s firepower as Kyiv rationed weapons amid acute shortages and escalating Russian attacks. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have been vocal about the necessity of long-range capabilities for “the quick restoration of a just peace.”
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed additional ATACMS would be sent following the signing of a new military aid package. Concerns that Ukraine might use them to strike deep into Russian territory—thus escalating the conflict—had restrained the U.S. from providing long-range missiles. However, the administration’s stance shifted following Russia’s acquisition and deployment of long-range ballistic missiles from North Korea, used on the battlefield against Ukrainian forces.
The White House and Pentagon had been carefully weighing the risks associated with providing Ukraine with such advanced weaponry. Operational security considerations kept the delivery confidential until their use was reported on the battlefield. A National Security Council spokesperson stated, “The ATACMS will help Ukraine deny Russia safe haven anywhere in occupied Ukrainian territory.”
Against this backdrop, Ukraine’s utilization of the ATACMS aligned with Congress passing a foreign aid package totaling $61 billion for Ukraine. The introduction of these missiles also signals increased U.S. assistance, with Biden unveiling a $1 billion military aid package for Kyiv, reaffirming American dedication to Ukraine’s defense.
The White House’s directive that the weapons cannot be used to hit targets inside Russia and must operate within sovereign Ukrainian territory, their deployment marks a strategic enhancement in Ukraine’s military operations against Russian forces.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine Deploys New Weapon for First Time After Secret Delivery, Newsweek, 04/25/2024
– Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by US to hit Russian-held areas, officials say, The Associated Press, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:49:00 GMT
– Ukraine uses long-range ATACMS against Russia for the first time, NBC News, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:50:19 GMT
– Ukraine used secretly supplied US missiles to hit Russian targets, The Hill, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:27:00 GMT
– range missiles secretly provided by the US to target Russian invaders, officials say, ABC News, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 20:28:27 GMT