On October 17, Ukrainian defense forces used the American long-range ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles for the first time to strike airfields in the temporarily occupied cities of Luhansk and Berdiansk.
As a result of this attack, nine helicopters, specialized equipment, an air defense missile system launcher, ammunition depots, and runways were destroyed. The fact of the Ukrainian forces' use of these missiles was confirmed by President Zelensky in his evening video address. The corresponding video of the Ukrainian defenders' use of ATACMS missiles was released by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhny.
There had been a long-standing discussion between Kyiv and Washington regarding the appropriateness of transferring this type of weaponry. During Zelensky's recent visit to the US in September of this year, President Joe Biden announced that Ukraine would receive ATACMS without specifying the timelines and the quantity of missiles.
According to the American press, the transfer of ATACMS missiles was shrouded in mystery, aimed at achieving an element of surprise. There were concerns that the Russians, aware of the missile's range, would move their military equipment and armaments beyond its reach before the missiles could be used. Ukraine was provided with a small number of such missiles, equipped with cluster munitions - smaller projectiles capable of causing striking damage over a large area. The ATACMS modifications provided to Ukraine have a flight range of approximately 160 kilometers. These are the older versions of ATACMS - the APAM (Anti-Personnel/Anti-Materiel) variant.
The military assistance to Kyiv in the form of ATACMS missiles signifies the understanding from the US that the Ukrainian defense forces need firepower to strike the enemy's rear positions, especially during the winter period. This move from the American administration indicates their commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Recent geopolitical events also played a significant role. After Putin's meeting with Kim Jong-un in Vladivostok in September, it became evident that North Korea is joining arms supplies to Russia. Considering these circumstances, the decision was made to provide ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.
The use of any of the ATACMS systems will be a significant leap for Ukraine's capabilities to strike deeper into the territory controlled by Russia. Given the significant concentration of Russian troops near the warehouses of armored vehicles and ammunition, still relatively close to the front line, it is hopeful that the new weaponry will seriously disrupt the logistics of the Russian forces, strike at their command centers, and reduce the effectiveness of their aviation.
Ukraine is employing high-precision Western weaponry exclusively for military purposes against the enemy, located in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Long-range missiles are capable of altering the course of the military operations and bringing Ukraine closer to victory.
Source: oglavnom.top
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