In a significant development, President Joe Biden has committed to providing Ukraine with a limited quantity of long-range missiles to support its ongoing conflict with Russia. This commitment came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, fulfilling a long-standing request from Kyiv. According to anonymous U.S. officials familiar with the matter, the missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
A Long-Awaited Wish Granted
The decision to supply ATACMS missiles is a major victory for Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials. These missiles have a substantial range, spanning from 45 to 190 miles, making them crucial for striking deep into entrenched Russian positions along the 600-mile front line. While they won’t be a panacea for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, these missiles are expected to bolster its military capabilities significantly.
The Battle Continues
Despite this positive development, U.S. officials caution against viewing ATACMS as a game-changing weapon. The conflict in Ukraine has evolved into a protracted artillery battle, with territorial advances measured in feet rather than miles. Challenges like mine clearance continue to impede swift maneuvers to reclaim territory. Therefore, while the missiles will aid Ukraine’s cause, they won’t single-handedly alter the course of the conflict.
Timing and Strategic Significance
The timing of the missile delivery is significant. Depending on when they arrive, they could intensify pressure on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, based in Crimea. Recent weeks have seen Ukraine targeting this fleet with long-range missiles, hitting its headquarters in Sevastopol, among other sites. However, Ukraine faces a pressing deadline to achieve key objectives in its counteroffensive before winter weather sets in, which would further complicate the fighting.
International Considerations
The decision to supply ATACMS comes as the United Kingdom and France reconsider their own commitments to provide long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Both countries have sent Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, which have ranges of approximately 150 miles. France, however, has indicated that it will halt SCALP shipments due to its domestic needs.
Kyiv has also urged Germany to provide its Taurus cruise missiles, with a range exceeding 300 miles, but Berlin has not yet made a decision to do so.
The Biden administration deliberated over the ATACMS decision for weeks, and while Kyiv hoped for an announcement ahead of the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. officials deemed the timeline too tight. Nevertheless, this commitment underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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