Ukraine war: US secretly sends long-range missiles to help Kyiv

US covertly sends long-range missiles to aid Kyiv in Ukraine conflict.

US Confirms Secret Provision of Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine

 

Ukraine has reportedly begun employing long-range ballistic missiles, covertly supplied by the United States, to defend its territory against Russian aggression, US officials have confirmed.

 

The weapons, part of a $300 million aid package approved by US President Joe Biden in March, clandestinely arrived in Ukraine earlier this month. Reports suggest they have already been utilized at least once to target Russian assets in occupied Crimea.

 

Details regarding the exact quantity of missiles dispatched to Ukraine remain undisclosed. Previously, the US had furnished Ukraine with a mid-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) but had refrained from providing more potent weaponry, citing concerns about potential ramifications for US military readiness.

 

However, in February, President Biden purportedly authorized the shipment of the long-range ATACMS system, capable of launching missiles distances of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles).

 

Confirming the provision of the missiles, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel stated, "I can confirm that the United States provided Ukraine with long-range ATACMS at the president's direct direction." He emphasized that the decision to withhold public disclosure was made to safeguard operational security for Ukraine, as per their request.

 

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan outlined plans to dispatch additional missiles to Ukraine, asserting that while they would be impactful, they were not a singular solution to the ongoing conflict.

 

According to reports, the longer-range missiles were deployed for the first time last week, targeting a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea. Additionally, they were reportedly utilized in an attack on Russian troops in the port city of Berdyansk overnight on Tuesday.

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the assistance, expressing determination to utilize it effectively against Russian aggression. Zelensky's sentiments follow the recent signing of a new $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine by President Biden, ending months of congressional deliberations.

 

Concerns over a potential escalation in hostilities have intensified, with Zelensky warning of an impending full-scale Russian offensive in the coming weeks. Ukrainian forces have faced challenges due to shortages of ammunition and air defense systems, prompting criticism of delays in military aid from the US and other Western allies.

 

Acknowledging the possibility of further tactical gains by Russia, Sullivan emphasized the need for continued support to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.