Ukraine has reportedly utilized long-range missiles supplied covertly by the United States, marking a significant escalation in its capacity to strike at Russian-controlled territories. American officials disclosed that for the first time, Ukraine had deployed the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), targeting a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and engaging Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.
These advanced missiles, which were part of a secretive transfer by the U.S., provide Ukrainian forces with a striking distance of up to 300 kilometers (190 miles), nearly doubling their previous range. This enhancement in range allows Ukrainian forces to launch attacks whilst remaining outside the reach of Russian counterfire, a critical factor given the increased frequency of Russian assaults.
American national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed, “We’ve already sent some, we will send more now that we have additional authority and money,” referencing a new military aid package President Joe Biden had signed. The decision to supply Ukraine with the ATACMS was taken after careful consideration by the White House and military planners, who deemed it timely based on the current state of conflict.
Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in his interview, highlighted the significance of these weapons, stating they would be “very disruptive if used properly,” to target Russian logistics and troop concentrations away from the frontlines.
While the administration has been clear that these weapons should not be used to strike targets inside Russia, their use in Ukrainian sovereign territory is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion. Sullivan further noted that these missiles are part of a diverse array of capabilities provided to Ukraine, designed to complement the skill and courage of Ukrainian fighters.
Indeed, U.S. officials had resisted sending Ukraine long-range missiles for months over concerns of provocation and escalation. However, the decision to proceed with the delivery was partly influenced by Russia’s acquisition and deployment of similar long-range missiles supplied by North Korea. The U.S. had warned Moscow against using such weaponry, and this tit-for-tat measure seems to be a response to those actions.
The utilization of the long-range ATACMS was initially kept under wraps until their battlefield use was confirmed and Ukrainian leaders sanctioned their public disclosure. The deployment of these weapons coincides with the signing of a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package by President Biden, which includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies.
Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the leading Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, asserted, “These strikes proved -– once again -– that Ukraine can notch battlefield victories when given the right tools.” His comments resonate with the sentiment that appropriate military support is pivotal for Ukraine’s efforts to restore peace within its borders.
As Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Congress for passing the new aid bill, he underscored the importance of such advanced weaponry, saying that “Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace.” The strategic implication of these missile systems is clear: they are set to play a crucial role in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter Russian aggression and reclaim occupied territories.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine Uses Long-Range Missiles Secretly Provided by US to Hit Russian-Held Areas, Officials Say, Military, 04/25/2024
– US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine to use against Russian invaders: Officials, ABC News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:58:30 GMT
– 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 aid: US secretly sent ATACMS missiles after months of resistance, CNN, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:20:00 GMT
– US secretly sent long-range ATACMS weapons to Ukraine, Al Jazeera English, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 02:47:12 GMT