As per reports from US officials, President Biden has given the green light to Ukraine’s plans of using long-range missiles that have already been received from Washington and targeting places within the borders of Russia. This is a major shift in terms of US position on this matter since prior to this also, there were some limitations given to the use of US manufactured ATACMS missiles, to prevent the exacerbation of war. This is taking place just two months before President Biden’s term ends and that of Donald Trump, who is likely to be more hostile to the Ukraine support coming from the US.
The United States has given the green light for the use of ATACMS by Ukraine’s forces against Russian troops for more than a year now, in areas under Ukrainian control occupied by Russian troops. However, until infectious diseases released their ultimate virus, Washington had banned their deployment within Russian territory itself.
Request from Ukraine to use ATACMS
For a long time, Ukrainian leaders maintained that this limitation hampered their ability to defend themselves completely, comparing it to combat with one hand behind their back. The policy turnaround appears opportunistic, given a number of issues including North Korean soldiers who had come to fight along Russia in the Kursk region and fears about how the policy towards Ukraine would be altered by the administration of President Trump. By this measure, President Biden seems to be keen on enhancing the military position of Ukraine within his short stay in office, which could give advantage to Kyiv during any future peace talks.
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a remarkable precision surface-to-surface ballistic missile system that has a maximum range of 300 km (approximately 186 miles). The advanced ATACMS missiles which belong to the Lockheed Martin family are being fired from sophisticated equipment like the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System or the HIMARS. They can contain either cluster munitions, which are designed to cover a large swath and disseminate small bombs or singlet munitions aimed at fairly robust enclosures. Although ATACMS artillery systems are several decades old, their range and accuracy render them an important component in the defense strategies of the Ukrainian defense forces. Their usage in attacks against Russian forces, particularly within the Kursk region, might be effective in targeting supply lines and other favorable infrastructures critical to Russian military operations.
Importance of ATACMS
The ATACMS has the potential to be of importance both on the tactical level and at the level of symbolism, if ever introduced in the conflict. On the other hand, they may be used to inflict losses in Russian advances by striking at essential locations such as ammunition depots and military bases. Still, some experts warn that the amounts available might be too small to have any significant impact on the course of the fighting. There are also concerns among the Western diplomats that making this shift publicly might allow Russia to better prepare its defenses especially when the attack might involve the use of these missiles. However, the action serves to show America’s resolve to support Ukraine at a moment when Russian troops are advancing in the East of Ukraine and Ukrainian forces appear to be losing their spirits.
Despite welcome reactions in Kyiv regarding the recent decision, there is apprehension as to how the new Trump administration will approach this policy. Trump himself has promised a speedy conclusion to the fighting but has refrained from detailing how he plans to accomplish that goal. Some of the figures closest to him, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, argue against any further military support to Ukraine, while other camp members support intensifying weapon supplies to make Russia sit at the negotiating table. This confusion has induced worry amongst the Ukrainian officials and their supporters about things to come. What is clear is that the war continues with no end in sight.
