Ukraine deploys U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles in counteroffensive against Russia

Ukraine has initiated a counteroffensive against Russia, utilizing long-range ATACMS missiles supplied by the United States.

This marks the first deployment of these advanced munitions, which were secretly delivered to Ukraine in recent weeks, in accordance with President Joe Biden’s promise to President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the White House last month.

The provision of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) had been met with caution by the Biden administration due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. However, Tuesday’s strike saw Ukraine employing an ATACMS variant with a range of 100 miles and a cluster munition payload, effectively targeting Russian airfields and helicopters. The Ukrainian special operation forces conducted the successful strikes on Russian air bases in Berdyansk and Luhansk.

Although the Defense Department typically announces the provision of weapons and equipment, it has made an exception in the case of the ATACMS shipment.

This decision follows a recurring pattern, as the Biden administration initially resisted specific requests for military capabilities but ultimately committed to providing them. Notably, this approach was observed in the case of Abrams tanks and F-16 fighter jet training, both of which the U.S. has pledged to Ukraine.

U.S. officials defend their choices, emphasizing that they are prioritizing the most critical capabilities for Ukraine. Since the outset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the Biden administration has allocated nearly $44 billion in security assistance to support Ukraine in its efforts to resist the Russian incursion.