President Joe Biden has sanctioned the provision of advanced long-range missile systems to Ukraine, significantly bolstering its military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This strategic decision comes as Ukraine begins to deploy these powerful weapons, targeting Russian military assets within occupied territories, according to American officials.
The newly delivered Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) enables Ukrainian forces to hit targets nearly twice as far away as before—up to 300 kilometers (about 190 miles). This upgrade from the previously supplied mid-range systems, which had a reach of about 160 kilometers (approximately 100 miles), marks a significant escalation in the military support provided by the U.S. The long-range missiles were first approved by President Biden in early March and included in a substantial $300 million military aid package.
Despite the increased capacity for distant strikes, the Biden administration has stipulated that these missiles should not be used to target Russian territory, aiming to prevent further escalation. The provision of these systems was so sensitive that the information was withheld from the public and even lawmakers until recently, amid growing calls for such military support.
For several months, the U.S. had hesitated to supply these long-range weapons due to concerns that they could be used to strike deep within Russia, potentially provoking a severe response from Moscow. However, the decision to proceed was based on careful consideration of the current battlefield conditions and strategic necessities, explained Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He noted that the administration deemed it the appropriate time to enhance Ukraine’s capabilities given the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
The effectiveness of the ATACMS was highlighted last week when they were reportedly used to strike a Russian military airfield in Crimea, a territory annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014. Further strikes were reported in eastern Ukraine, demonstrating the operational deployment of these systems.
While Ukrainian officials have not publicly confirmed the use of the long-range missiles, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards the U.S. Congress for the new aid package, emphasizing the importance of long-range capabilities in restoring peace.
This development underscores a significant shift in U.S. policy as it aims to equip Ukraine with comparable military capabilities to those used by Russia, which has sourced similar long-range systems from North Korea. The strategic military aid from the U.S. is poised to play a crucial role in the ongoing conflict, potentially altering the dynamics on the ground in favor of Ukrainian forces.
