Ukraine Strikes Russian-Occupied Air Bases with US Missiles in Tense Conflict
In a significant development amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine has reportedly used US missiles to strike two air bases in Russian-occupied territory. The missiles, known as ATACMS, were used to target key bases that Russia has been using for air support and troop supplies. This move comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the United States for their support, stating that the agreements made with President Biden are being implemented accurately.
While the extent and impact of these missile strikes remain unclear, Ukraine’s special operations forces have claimed that the attack damaged runways and resulted in the destruction of helicopters, an ammunition depot, an antiaircraft missile launcher, and military equipment. However, these claims are yet to be independently verified.
It is worth noting that the version of the ATACMS missile provided by the United States has limited range, and its effectiveness on the battlefield might be marginal. Nevertheless, it is expected to have a significant impact as it can reach most of the main bases occupied by Russia. However, Ukraine has been cautioned not to use the ATACMS within Russian territory.
The delivery of the missiles was shrouded in secrecy, as there were concerns that they could be attacked by Russia during transportation into Ukraine. Furthermore, Ukraine aimed to catch the Russians off guard by keeping the delivery discreet. According to sources, the United States sent approximately 20 of these missiles to Ukraine.
The ATACMS missile provided to Ukraine is a cluster munition, which dispenses 950 small bomblets capable of causing damage over a wide area. It should be noted that such weapons are banned under an international agreement that the United States has not signed.
This is not the first time the United States has supplied Ukraine with cluster weapons. Earlier this year, the Biden administration began providing Ukraine with artillery shells containing smaller submunitions designed to destroy armored vehicles and enemy soldiers.
The decision to provide these missiles came after a significant delay, with the White House previously deflecting Ukraine’s requests for weapons. There were concerns that Ukraine might use long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia, which could have escalated the conflict. However, with similar long-range missiles provided by Britain and France without significant Russian reaction, the United States reversed its view and agreed to supply the limited-range version of ATACMS to Ukraine.
The arrival of the American missiles prompts further pressure on Germany to donate its Taurus missile systems to Ukraine. However, both President Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany have been cautious, aiming to avoid escalating the conflict further.
Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defense minister, acknowledged the importance of the ATACMS deployment, particularly during Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia’s stiff defenses. He stated that these missiles would allow Ukraine to target strategic logistics and command posts along the frontlines.
With the arrival of the American missiles, Ukraine’s longest-range weapons remain the French SCALP missiles and British Storm Shadows, which have been effectively deployed against Russian targets, including in Crimea.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to unfold, the deployment of these US missiles marks a significant development. The impact on the battlefield and the overall outcome of the conflict remain uncertain. Nevertheless, it highlights the ongoing support received by Ukraine from international allies in its fight against Russian aggression.
