Zelenskyy grateful to US for ATACMS missiles after covert transfer.
Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Forces with U.S.-Provided Missiles
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces utilized the powerful MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) on Tuesday, marking the first time these long-range ballistic missiles were deployed against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
Expressing his gratitude, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly thanked the United States for supplying the ATACMS missiles during his address on Tuesday evening.
Zelenskyy stated, “Today I am especially grateful to the United States. Our agreements with President Joe Biden are being implemented, and they are being implemented very accurately. The ATACMS have proven themselves.”According to Russian state media, there were reports of two suspected ATACMS strikes. One hit the town of Skadovsk, resulting in two injuries, while the other struck Berdyansk. However, independent confirmation of the attacks and the weapons used is currently unavailable.Skadovsk is situated in the Kherson region, and Berdyansk is located in the Zaporizhzhia region. Both regions were annexed by Russia following a controversial referendum last year.
Despite being far from the frontlines, Berdyansk, which lies along the Sea of Azov, was targeted by Ukrainian forces. The Ukrainian military claimed to have destroyed multiple helicopters, an air defense missile launcher, specialized vehicles, and ammunition depots in Berdyansk. However, the specific methods employed for this long-range strike were not disclosed.Secretive Weapons Transfer
Ukrainian forces had been requesting the ATACMS missiles for months, but the Biden administration had refrained from publicly supporting such transfers. The issue of ATACMS came up during Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States on September 21.
When asked about the weapons during a White House press briefing on September 21, national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that President Biden had considered the request but decided against providing ATACMS. However, the following day, NBC reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that President Biden had agreed to supply the missile system to Ukraine.In subsequent press events, U.S. military officials avoided directly confirming the alleged ATACMS transfers. As recently as October 5, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder refrained from making any announcements regarding the alleged transfers.While the Biden administration has approved the transfer of various weapons systems to Ukraine, including artillery, tanks, drones, and fighter jets, in those cases, the announcements preceded their arrival and use on the battlefield. However, in the case of ATACMS, the transfer was only acknowledged after Ukrainian forces had already employed them against Russian targets.
From NTD News
The increasing role of technology and military capabilities in modern warfare. How does the deployment of ATACMS missiles impact the balance of power between Ukraine and Russia in the conflict? Can the use of advanced weaponry like ATACMS missiles be seen as a deterrent against Russian aggression or does it risk further escalating the conflict? What are the potential consequences of using ballistic missiles like ATACMS on civilian populations and the overall stability of the region
N forces due to its strategic location. The Sea of Azov has been a hotbed of tension between Ukraine and Russia, with both countries asserting control over its waters and access to the ports situated along its coast. The deployment of ATACMS missiles in this region indicates the escalating nature of the conflict and the determination of the Ukrainian forces to counter Russian aggression.
The MGM-140 ATACMS is a highly advanced missile system capable of delivering precise and devastating strikes against enemy targets. With a range of up to 300 kilometers, it provides Ukrainian forces with a significant advantage in engaging Russian forces across the disputed territories. This deployment signals a shift in the Ukrainian military strategy, focusing on the use of long-range missiles to counter Russian capabilities.
The United States has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The supply of ATACMS missiles is part of a broader military assistance program aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. President Joe Biden has been vocal in his support for Ukraine and has provided substantial military aid to the country since taking office. The deployment of ATACMS missiles is a testament to the successful implementation of the agreements between President Zelenskyy and President Biden.
The international community has been wary of the developments in Ukraine and the potential for a wider conflict. The use of ballistic missiles raises concerns about the risk of further escalation and the potential for civilian casualties. It is crucial for all parties involved to pursue diplomatic avenues and take steps to de-escalate the situation.
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