The Biden administration is considering sending long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) missiles to Ukraine to help the nation in its fight against Russia.
According to ABC News, while two US officials confirm this consideration, they emphasize that such plans are subject to potential alterations until officially confirmed. The decision, if finalized, might take months before the ATACMS missiles are delivered.
US ATACMS Missiles Range of Up to 190 Miles
These long-range guided missiles, with a range of up to 190 miles depending on the variant, would substantially extend Ukraine's reach compared to its current rocket systems.
This could be a pivotal upgrade, allowing Ukraine to target areas nearly four times farther than its existing arsenal, which includes US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and M270 multiple-launch rocket systems.
The US previously hesitated to fulfill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appeals for these weapons. This reluctance stemmed from concerns over potential escalation with Russia and the need to safeguard America's own stockpiles.
Both the UK and France have supplied comparable Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, a move that the US had refrained from doing until now.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had previously indicated the US government's reluctance to provide ATACMS missiles due to concerns of possible direct conflict with Russia.
However, more recently, Sullivan has hinted at a potential shift in this stance, emphasizing that the decision ultimately rests with President Joe Biden, who has already spoken with Zelenskyy about it.
"They continue to have that conversation," Sullivan said in July.
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US Support for Ukraine to Withstand Russia's Attacks
Since the initial invasion, the Biden administration has escalated the types of weapons provided to Ukraine. That ranged from handheld launchers to advanced air-defense platforms, armored vehicles, and even reversing previous decisions regarding Abrams tanks and F-16 fighter training.
The potential inclusion of ATACMS missiles comes at a critical juncture as Ukrainian forces face formidable Russian defenses. There's increasing political pressure in the US to augment military aid, coupled with a growing expectation for substantial progress on the battlefield.
According to ABC News, an unexpected discovery of additional ATACMS in the US inventory may influence this decision. However, the specifics regarding the condition and type of missiles found are yet to be clarified.
ATACMS comes in different forms, ranging from missiles with large high-explosive warheads to cluster-munition versions that disperse numerous bomblets.
If greenlit, the introduction of ATACMS would not only extend Ukrainian forces' ability to make a strike from a safer distance but also potentially enable precision strikes on targets in Crimea.
This step aligns with the broader US dedication to helping Ukraine, which has already earmarked more than $43.7 billion in security assistance since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022.
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