America’s Secret Delivery of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine Sparks Controversy Amid Tensions with Russia

In a move that has sparked controversy, the United States has quietly delivered a long-range Atacms missile system to Ukraine. The shipment, which was approved by President Joe Biden in February and kept secret to avoid tipping off the Russians, arrived in Ukraine in April and was immediately deployed on the eastern front by Ukrainian forces.

The missiles were used in attacks on Russian military targets in Crimea and southeastern Ukraine, with Russia condemning the move as an escalation of tensions between the two countries. Ambassador Anatoly Antonov expressed concern over the missile delivery, stating that it increased the security threat to Russian territories, particularly Crimea and Sevastopol. The Atacms system was seen as a threat to the Crimean bridge, with fears that Ukraine could target the bridge with the missiles, leading to accusations of financing terrorist activities from the US.

The missile delivery was part of a larger arms shipment worth $300 million, which included artillery ammunition, to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, long-range missile systems like the Atacms had not been publicly discussed before. Ukraine had long sought long-range missile systems, with Germany being requested for Taurus missiles. Chancellor Olaf Scholz was hesitant to provide Taurus missiles, fearing an escalation in the conflict.

Despite these concerns, the United States proceeded with the delivery of