Ukraine has received a shipment of long-range ATACMS missiles from the United States this month, despite Congress not yet approving new aid to Kyiv. The State Department announced that President Biden personally requested the delivery of these missiles in February, and they arrived in March as part of the latest aid package. The inclusion of these missiles in the aid package was not made public for operational security reasons, at Ukraine’s request.
The ATACMS missiles, also known as MGM-140, are capable of reaching Russian bases with ease due to their much greater range than Ukraine’s previous missiles. Their arrival on the frontlines represents a significant turning point in the conflict, as they can be used to attack enemy positions deep within Russia. The use of these missiles has been deemed crucial for Ukraine’s success, and it has requested partners to provide them as soon as possible for use within its borders.
Concerns about delivering such missiles to Ukraine have been raised in the past due to fears that it could escalate the conflict with Russia. However, Ukraine has now successfully used American ATACMS missiles against Russia for the first time in October, with their even longer range proving devastatingly effective against enemy targets. The significance of these missiles in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia cannot be overstated.
In conclusion, the delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine marks a significant milestone in its efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression. These weapons have proven highly effective and are seen as crucial for achieving victory by many Ukrainian military officials and politicians alike.