Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its escalating military assault on Ukraine from the peninsula, the delivery of the U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukrainian forces has marked a pivotal turn in the ongoing conflict.
The ATACMS, which boast a range of up to 300 kilometers, are capable of reaching any point in Crimea, teeming with over 100 Russian military sites including air bases, command centers, and the Black Sea fleet headquarters.
As reported, Ukrainian forces have already utilized the ATACMS, targeting the Dzhankoi air base in northeast Crimea, causing significant damage to Russian helicopters and the sophisticated S-400 air-defense system. It also sends a potent message to Russia that its key military installations are within Ukraine’s striking distance, potentially altering Russia’s tactical calculations.
The recent missile attacks have not only the potential to degrade Russian military capabilities in Crimea but also to disrupt the flow of supplies and manpower to Russian-occupied territories in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions.
Ukraine’s determination to weaken Russia’s military foothold in Crimea has been further underscored by the targeting of the critical Crimea Bridge, which serves as the only physical connection between Russia and Crimea and a vital supply route. Despite Russian efforts to defend the bridge, including anti-sabotage barriers, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated their resolve to challenge the occupation.
The introduction of ATACMS to the Ukrainian arsenal comes as part of a broader aid package from the U.S. valued at $61 billion, part of which includes weaponry and support to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield. With the U.S. administration’s explicit instruction that the missiles are to be utilized within the sovereign territory of Ukraine, which includes Crimea according to U.S. policy, Ukraine possesses a clear mandate to use these weapons to reclaim its territory.
However, tensions have been raised by the deployment of these missiles, with North Korea criticizing the U.S. decision to supply Ukraine with ATACMS, calling it reckless and warning of negative consequences.
In summary, the arrival of ATACMS signals a new phase in the Ukraine conflict, one where the previously untouchable Russian bastion of Crimea now finds itself under threat. It remains to be seen how this shift will affect the broader dynamics of the war, but for the moment, it offers Ukraine a substantial new capability to pressure Russian forces and reclaim its sovereignty.
Relevant articles:
– With ATACMS In Hand, Ukraine Looks To Neutralize Putin’s Fortress In Crimea , Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 04/30/2024
– Ukraine uses long-range ATACMS against Russia for the first time, AOL, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 05:09:42 GMT
– Lithuanian diplomat’s Crimean Bridge joke draws Russian threats, Yahoo Singapore News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:47:17 GMT
– North Korea criticizes Ukraine’s supply of US ATACMS missiles, وكالة سبأ, Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:53:43 GMT
– Ukraine-Russia war latest: At least four dead in daytime missile strike on port city – as massive building on fire, Sky News, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:10:18 GMT