Ukraine Receives Secretly Provided Long-Range Ballistic Missiles from US
KYIV — In a bold move to defend its territory, Ukraine has been equipped with long-range ballistic missiles covertly supplied by the United States, as confirmed by US officials.
The delivery of these weapons was part of a $300m ($240m) aid package approved by US President Joe Biden back in March, and they have recently arrived in Ukraine for deployment.
Reports suggest that these missiles have already been put to use, striking Russian targets in occupied Crimea. The exact number of missiles sent to Ukraine remains undisclosed.
While the US had previously provided Ukraine with a mid-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), the decision to send the more powerful long-range system was made by Biden in February, despite concerns about potential impact on US military readiness.
State Department spokesman Vedant Patel confirmed the delivery, stating, “I can confirm that the United States provided Ukraine with long-range ATACMS at the president’s direct direction.” He also mentioned that the decision to keep this information classified was to ensure operational security for Ukraine.
Recent reports reveal that the longer-range missiles were used to target a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea and in an attack on Russian troops in the port city of Berdiansk. This marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
As Russia continues its invasion with steady gains, Ukraine has intensified its calls for Western assistance. The news of these weapons shipments comes shortly after Biden signed a new $61bn military aid package for Ukraine into law, following months of congressional deliberations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed determination to make up for lost time and confront Russian aggression head-on. He warned of an impending full-scale Russian offensive in the coming weeks, following Ukraine’s recent territorial losses.
Ukrainian officials have attributed delays in military aid from the US and other Western allies to the loss of lives and territory in the ongoing conflict. The arrival of these long-range missiles marks a crucial turning point in Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces. — BBC
