United States and South Korean troops utilizing the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and South Korea’s Hyunmoo Missile II, fire missiles into the waters of the East Sea, off South Korea, July 5, 2017. 8th United States Army/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
In recent weeks, undisclosed sources reveal that the United States covertly dispatched long-range missiles to Ukraine as part of its effort to bolster the nation’s defense against Russian aggression. According to an unnamed U.S. official, these missiles were deployed on two separate occasions subsequent to their shipment.
The armaments were allocated within a $300 million military assistance package for Ukraine, sanctioned by U.S. President Joe Biden on March 12, as communicated by the aforementioned official, who chose to remain anonymous. Specifics regarding the quantity of missiles dispatched were not disclosed.
On April 17, the missiles were first employed by Ukrainian forces in an offensive maneuver directed at a Russian airfield situated approximately 165 kilometers (103 miles) from the Ukrainian front lines, as relayed by the source. Subsequently, Ukraine deployed the weaponry once more during an overnight engagement against Russian military elements in southeastern Ukraine.
The decision to furnish Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) boasting a range of up to 300 kilometers had been a matter of contention within the Biden administration over preceding months. Notably, mid-range ATACMS had been supplied to Ukraine in September of the preceding year.
Initially, the Pentagon voiced opposition to the deployment of long-range missiles, expressing concerns over potential ramifications for U.S. military readiness, including apprehensions regarding the diminishment of the American missile stockpile. Additionally, there existed apprehensions regarding the prospect of Ukraine employing such weaponry to target locations deep within Russian territory.
A pivotal shift in the U.S. stance ensued subsequent to Russia’s deployment of North Korean-sourced long-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine in December and January, despite explicit warnings, both public and private, from the United States. The resumption of hostilities against critical infrastructure within Ukraine by Russian forces further influenced U.S. decision-making.
A resolution to concerns regarding military preparedness was attained by late January, allowing the administration to proceed with the deployment of the long-range missiles. This entailed the acquisition of newly manufactured missiles from the Lockheed-Martin production line.
Following deliberations with his national security advisors in mid-February, President Biden concurred with the unanimous recommendation to dispatch the missiles to Ukraine. Key figures in this decision-making process included National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown.
The logistical challenge of funding the missile deployment was addressed in March, when an opportunity arose due to several Pentagon contracts being secured under budget. President Biden utilized this surplus to allocate $300 million in aid to Ukraine, instructing his team to include the long-range ATACMS within this covert funding arrangement, aimed at preserving operational secrecy and the element of surprise for Ukrainian forces.
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