Reports: US Set to Provide Kyiv with Long-Range ATACMS Missiles in Response to Ukraine Conflict

According to reports from US media, President Joe Biden plans to provide Ukraine with advanced long-range missiles to assist in their ongoing counter-offensive against Russia. The missiles in question are said to be ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 190 miles (300km), which would allow Ukraine to target Russian positions deep within enemy lines. Last Friday, a Ukrainian missile strike hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Crimea, using Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain and France. These recent developments highlight the significance of Western weaponry in Ukraine's defense. Although neither the US nor Ukraine have officially confirmed these reports, unnamed US officials have stated that President Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the decision during their meeting at the White House. The weapons are expected to be delivered in the coming weeks. It is worth noting that there are variations in reports regarding the specific type of warhead the ATACMS missiles will be armed with, with some sources mentioning cluster bomblets instead of a single warhead. The US has already announced a new tranche of $325m in military aid for Ukraine, including artillery, ammunition, and Abrams tanks, which will be sent next week. The delivery of ATACMS missiles has been a subject of uncertainty, with President Biden expressing caution due to concerns that it could escalate tensions with nuclear-armed Russia. Despite this, Ukraine has been advocating for ATACMS missiles for several months as they believe it would significantly strengthen their counter-offensive strategy, placing key Russian supply lines and logistical hubs within striking distance. Ukraine particularly asserts that occupied regions in the south, such as Crimea, would become vulnerable. Previously, the Biden administration had been hesitant to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry, but their stance has shifted, with the recent provision of high-precision Himars long-range rocket systems and Patriot air defense missiles.