Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles Against Russia: A Shift in Strategy.
After months of requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the United States has authorized Ukraine to deploy long-range ATACMS missiles against targets deep within Russian territory. This policy shift marks a significant change in Washington’s approach, which previously prohibited such actions due to concerns about escalating the war. The decision comes as President Joe Biden’s administration nears its conclusion, raising questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The U.S. administration’s reluctance to permit strikes within Russia stemmed from fears of provoking a broader conflict with NATO involvement. However, the situation has evolved due to multiple factors.
North Korean troops have reportedly arrived in the Kursk region to bolster Russian forces. This development prompted Ukraine to argue that restrictions on long-range missile use left them disadvantaged in defending their territory.
The looming handover of power to President-elect Trump, who has voiced skepticism about U.S. military aid to Ukraine, likely influenced Biden’s decision. By approving the use of ATACMS, the administration aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position before Trump’s inauguration.The U.S. hopes that the enhanced capability to strike key Russian targets will improve Ukraine’s leverage in potential peace negotiations.
Although President Zelensky has not officially confirmed the deployment of these missiles, his recent remarks “The missiles will speak for themselves” hint at Ukraine’s readiness to take decisive action.
What Are ATACMS Missiles?
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles). Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it can be launched from either the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). With each missile costing approximately $1.5 million, ATACMS is a high-value asset on the battlefield.
ATACMS has been a mainstay in U.S. military operations since the Gulf War in 1991. While the U.S. Army plans to replace them with Precision Strike Missiles capable of a 500-km range, there is no indication Ukraine will receive the newer systems.
The introduction of ATACMS allows Ukraine to strike targets within Russia, with initial focus likely on the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have held over 1,000 square kilometers of territory there since August. The missiles could be used to Target Russian military bases, infrastructure, and supply depots and to defend against potential Russian and North Korean counteroffensives in the area.
While ATACMS may not decisively shift the war’s outcome, their deployment poses significant challenges for Russian forces. Anticipating such strikes, Russia has already moved key military assets further inland, increasing logistical burdens and delaying air support to frontline troops.
A Western diplomat in Kyiv described the move as “symbolic,” signaling robust support for Ukraine, even if the material impact on the battlefield remains limited. However, questions remain about the volume of missiles the U.S. is willing to provide, given their limited stockpile.
Using ATACMS to target high-profile sites like the Kerch Bridge, which links Crimea to mainland Russia, could deliver a morale boost to Ukraine while raising the war’s costs for Russia. Additionally, this U.S. decision may influence other NATO allies, such as the UK and France, to authorize the use of their long-range weapons, like the Storm Shadow missiles, within Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that Western weapons used against Russia could be viewed as NATO’s direct involvement in the war. Despite similar warnings over tanks and fighter jets being provided to Ukraine, no direct NATO-Russia conflict has ensued.
Kurt Volker, former U.S. ambassador to NATO, criticized earlier restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons as arbitrary and fear-driven. He cautioned, however, against publicly announcing such policy shifts, as it gives Russia time to prepare.
The timing of this decision mere months before Trump takes office raises questions about its longevity. Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly but has not outlined a clear strategy. His son, Donald Trump Jr., criticized the move as a precursor to escalating global conflict, reflecting divisions within Trump’s circle about continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
The uncertainty has left Ukrainian officials concerned about the durability of U.S. support, with many hoping the current policy remains intact
The deployment of ATACMS is a calculated move by the Biden administration to fortify Ukraine’s position amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. While unlikely to singlehandedly determine the war’s outcome, these missiles enhance Ukraine’s strategic capabilities and underscore Western commitment to its defense. However, their use also carries risks of escalation, testing the delicate balance of international involvement in the conflict.
Source: BBC news.
