Ukraine has initiated the use of longer-range ballistic missiles against Russia, which were covertly supplied by the US, as confirmed by American officials.
These missiles were part of a prior US support package and recently arrived in Ukraine. The decision to keep this delivery secret was made to uphold Ukraine’s operational security.
At least one instance of these missiles being used to target Russian positions in occupied Crimea has been reported.
Further assistance from the US is en route to Kyiv, with President Joe Biden approving a new package totaling $61 billion in economic and military support for Ukraine.
The missiles provided are an extended-range variant of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), confirmed by a spokesperson from the State Department.
While the US had previously supplied Ukraine with mid-range ATACMS, concerns over potentially compromising US military readiness had limited the transfer of more potent weaponry.
There were also worries that Ukraine might use these weapons to target Russian territory, risking an escalation of the conflict.
Ukraine had long sought these systems, capable of launching missiles up to 300km (186 miles). It’s reported that President Biden gave the green light for this transfer secretly in February.
The actual number of missiles sent remains undisclosed, but National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the US plans to send more.
These longer-range ATACMS provide Ukraine with the capability to strike deeper into Russian-held areas, including bases, storage facilities, and logistics hubs.
Recent reports indicate that these missiles were deployed for the first time last week, targeting a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea and later Russian troops in the occupied port city of Berdyansk.
Russia has downplayed the significance of this new weaponry, stating that it won’t fundamentally change the course of the war.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its appeals for Western aid as its ammunition supplies dwindle and Russia makes steady progress. The new aid package, now approved by President Biden, comes after months of deliberation and opposition from some in Congress.
This billion-dollar weapons package is just the beginning of the $61 billion aid, which will not solely be allocated for arms. Previous US security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022 totals $44 billion.
President Zelensky of Ukraine welcomed the aid package, emphasizing the need to counter Russian aggression. He has warned of an impending Russian offensive, particularly after Ukraine’s loss of Avdiivka during the winter.
Ukrainian forces have faced challenges due to ammunition shortages and lack of air defense systems. Officials attribute these difficulties to delays in military aid from the US and other Western allies, resulting in loss of lives and territory.
Sullivan acknowledged the possibility of Russia making further gains in the coming weeks. Since the invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands of people, mostly soldiers, have been killed or injured, and millions have been displaced.
Source – bbc.com
