Title: US to Provide Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles for Targeting Russian Military Logistics
Date: Sat 23 Sep 2023 19.23 CEST
In a significant development, US President Joe Biden has decided to supply Ukraine with long-range army tactical missile systems (ATACMS), thereby enhancing Kyiv’s capacity to target Russian military logistics at long distances. The decision comes as Ukraine prepares for its second winter at war with Russian-backed forces.
During a private meeting between President Biden and Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Biden assured Zelenskiy that a small number of ATACMS weapons would be transferred to Ukraine, according to sources cited by NBC. Ukraine had been requesting the ATACMS systems for several months, and despite initial reservations from US officials due to limited stockpiles and concerns of Russian accusations of escalation, the decision to supply them was finally made.
The ATACMS, when fired from a mobile launcher, can effectively target locations up to 190 miles (300km) away. This capability allows Ukrainian forces to strike far beyond the frontlines and target command headquarters, weapons depots, supply networks such as railways, and other crucial military infrastructure.
Notably, Ukraine has committed not to use these missiles to target Russian territory, and a waiver permitting the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine has further expanded the potential number of missiles that can be used. This move marks Ukraine’s latest success in its campaign to obtain advanced weaponry from western allies and follows its recent achievements on the ground in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s acquisition of ATACMS complements its existing familiarity with the Himars mobile rocket launchers, which the US began transferring to Ukraine last year. However, until now, Ukraine was only provided with shorter-range guided rockets. The advanced Himars systems will be particularly crucial during the winter months, as they will give Ukrainian forces an edge in countering potential Russian defenses in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Although there was no official announcement regarding ATACMS during Zelenskiy’s recent visit to Washington, he secured $325 million in new aid from the US and worked towards reinforcing support for Ukraine among politicians. It’s worth noting that there are political divisions within the US, with some congressional Republicans aligned with Donald Trump, the party’s presidential frontrunner, increasingly opposing funding aid and weapons transfers to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s ongoing offensive has faced challenges, including a dense mine belt that halted progress for weeks. However, Ukrainian sappers eventually cleared a path, and more recently, armored vehicles managed to breach Russia’s main anti-tank defenses. These breakthroughs could allow Ukrainian forces to push farther south or attack Russian forces from defensive lines in the rear.
In addition to the ground offensive, Ukraine has also intensified pressure on Russian forces through long-distance drone attacks both inside Russia and on occupied Ukrainian soil.
As Ukraine prepares for another challenging winter, the US decision to supply ATACMS to Ukrainian forces is expected to significantly enhance their capabilities and strengthen their position in the ongoing conflict with Russian-backed forces.
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