The U.S. government has confirmed that it has secretly provided Ukraine with a long-range missile system capable of reaching deep into Russian-held territories and potentially into Russia itself.
The Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, has a range of up to 186 miles, making it a powerful addition to Ukraine’s military arsenal against Russian forces.
According to Pentagon sources, the missiles were first used in recent operations. In October, the United States sent shorter-range ATACMS to Ukraine, with a minimum range of 43 miles.
Despite this, Ukraine continued to seek longer-range versions, pushing the Biden administration to comply.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan revealed that President Joe Biden authorized the shipment of long-range ATACMS earlier this year, noting that they were intended for use within Ukrainian territory against Russian invaders.
“When the President approved the provision of ATACMS in February, he asked his team to do so discreetly and they were transferred quietly to Ukraine in order to maintain operational security,” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Charlie Dietz stated.
The transfer of these long-range missiles was initially kept confidential, especially given the potential to provoke a response from Russia.
However, officials have clarified that the U.S. intends the ATACMS only for use in occupied Ukrainian territory.
The stealthy transfer came amidst growing concerns about Russian advancements and stalled military aid funding in Congress.
“One capability is not going to be the ultimate solution,” Sullivan remarked during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for a mix of resources and support to sustain Ukraine’s defense.
Retired Gen. Robert Abrams, an ABC News contributor, mentioned that while the ATACMS could change the dynamics on the battlefield, Ukraine’s ability to use them effectively would be crucial.
Concerns about provoking Russia have arisen, particularly given the Kremlin’s previous warnings against providing Ukraine with long-range missiles.
Sullivan responded by pointing out that Russia has been receiving similar weapons from other countries, including North Korea, and has used them against Ukrainian civilians.
Pentagon officials confirmed that the longer-range missiles were employed in recent operations, with strikes targeting deep within the Crimean Peninsula and near Berdyansk.
The Biden administration’s hesitation in supplying the longer-range versions had been due to concerns over the Pentagon’s own missile inventory.
Nonetheless, these worries were eventually overcome.
The new missile support aligns with broader U.S. military aid to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Despite initial resistance to some forms of assistance, the U.S. has continued to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression, driven by the ongoing conflict’s severity.
In a related development, President Biden signed a $95 billion aid package that encompasses military assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
This package includes a $1 billion emergency military aid provision for Ukraine, with additional air defense systems and artillery ammunition to replenish depleted stocks.