Photo credit: www.bbc.com
US Approves ATACMS Missile Use for Ukraine Amid Intensifying Conflict
In a significant shift of US policy, President Joe Biden has approved the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by Ukraine, enabling strikes within Russian territory. These long-range missiles have a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) and are challenging to intercept due to their swift speed.
This decision was confirmed by a US official and is expected to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as it navigates ongoing military challenges. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for an easing of restrictions on these missiles for several months, arguing that they are crucial for Ukraine’s military strategy.
In response to the announcement, Zelensky stated, “such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves,” reflecting the operational focus of the Ukrainian military.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warned that the introduction of Western long-range missiles represents a direct involvement of NATO in the conflict. While he has not yet officially commented on the latest developments, other senior Kremlin officials have characterized it as a serious escalation.
The Biden administration’s rationale for this move seems tied to recent Russian actions, including the reported deployment of North Korean troops to participate in the conflict. This has heightened concerns about a potential large-scale assault by combined Russian and North Korean forces targeting Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has made recent incursions.
Serhiy Kuzan, head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, expressed that the approval of ATACMS is “very important” for Ukraine, noting that it may not dramatically alter the war’s trajectory but could level the playing field. He emphasized that the timing of this decision is critical to counter impending assaults by enemy forces, particularly given estimates that place around 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area.
Furthermore, this development may pave the way for the UK and France to offer Ukraine long-range Storm Shadow missiles for operations within Russian territory. As of now, there has been no public reaction from British or French officials regarding Biden’s decision.
Last month marked a notable milestone for Ukraine when it utilized US-provided long-range missiles to target Russian positions in the eastern part of the country. This use comes amid ongoing efforts to repel Russian advances in the Donetsk region, particularly near the strategic city of Pokrovsk, essential for supply lines.
As fighting escalates, Russia has ramped up drone strikes across Ukraine, with reports indicating that over 2,000 attacks took place in October alone, setting a new record in the conflict. Recent coordinated assaults by Russia resulted in numerous fatalities, highlighting the fragile security situation in Ukraine.
Despite ongoing military support, Ukrainian officials have voiced frustrations about the adequacy of assistance from their allies to sustain an effective defense. In the face of these challenges, Biden has aimed to accelerate military aid to Ukraine ahead of his departure from office in January.
Looking ahead, there are rising concerns regarding the future of US support for Ukraine, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Trump has criticized the military aid provided to Ukraine as a burden on US resources and suggested a reassessment of US involvement in the conflict.
The US has emerged as the largest arms supplier to Ukraine, committing approximately $55.5 billion in military assistance since the conflict’s onset, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
Source
www.bbc.com