As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, the United States has covertly bolstered Ukraine’s military capabilities by supplying long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), a move that significantly increases Kyiv’s operational reach against Russian forces. This strategic transfer, shrouded in secrecy until recently, came to light following confirmed uses of the missile system on Russian military targets within Ukrainian territory.
The provision of ATACMS represents a pivotal shift in the US’s military aid to Ukraine, with the missiles imparting a striking range of up to 300 kilometers (190 miles)—nearly double the distance afforded by the mid-range systems previously supplied. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan indicated the commitment to this escalation of support, stating, “We’ve already sent some, we will send more now that we have additional authority and money.”
President Joe Biden sanctioned the delivery of these sophisticated missiles as part of a broader $300 million military aid package announced in March. While the exact number of ATACMS delivered remains undisclosed, their deployment has been a game-changer for Ukrainian forces, enabling them to launch strikes on targets far beyond the front lines, while remaining outside the reach of Russian counterattacks.
The decision to dispatch long-range missiles did not come lightly. U.S. officials were reticent for months, wary of the potential for escalation should Ukraine employ the missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. Acknowledging the sensitivity and risks associated with such an upgrade in firepower, Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conveyed the measured approach taken, “I think the time is right, and the boss (Biden) made the decision the time is right to provide these based on where the fight is right now.”
Ukraine has not publicly admitted to receiving or using the long-range ATACMS. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while extending gratitude to Congress for the new aid bill, subtly referenced the importance of “Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense” in efforts to restore peace.
The U.S. State Department has insisted that the ATACMS are to be utilized strictly within Ukrainian sovereign territory, a stipulation designed to contain the conflict and avert Russian ire. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel underscored this limitation, noting President Biden’s directive ensures the weapons’ use is confined to repelling forces within Ukraine’s borders.
Despite the secrecy surrounding their delivery, the ATACMS have made a dramatic entrance onto the battlefield. Their utilization was confirmed in attacks against a Russian military airfield in Crimea—a strategic peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014—and other locations occupied by Russian forces.
Ukraine’s tactical gains come against a backdrop of Russian advances, intensified aerial assaults, and an apparent stalemate in American congressional support, which delayed a significant foreign aid package. In response to Russia’s augmented firepower and personnel, the U.S. move to supply long-range missiles seeks to redress the balance of military might and sustain Ukraine’s resilience in a protracted and grueling conflict.
Relevant articles:
– The US secretly slipped ATACMS to Ukraine with more to come, putting high-value Russian targets in danger, Business Insider, 04/25/2024
– Ukraine Uses Long-Range Missiles Secretly Provided by U.S., Officials Say, TIME, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 17:18:36 GMT
– Video US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine to use against Russia: Officials, ABC News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:41:59 GMT
– US secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine, Financial Times, Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:37:22 GMT
– US sends long-range missiles to Ukraine secretly. What are ATACMS, can they hit targets in Russia?, Firstpost, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:54:40 GMT