"U.S. Considers Supplying Ukraine with Advanced Long-Range Missiles Amid Ongoing Conflict with Russia"

In a recent development, U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly contemplating the provision of advanced long-range missiles to Ukraine to aid in its ongoing counter-offensive against Russia. According to U.S. officials familiar with the matter, Ukraine is set to receive ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles, with a range of up to 190 miles (300km), which would significantly enhance Ukraine’s capability to strike deep into Russian territory beyond the front lines.

The decision comes in the wake of at least two Ukrainian missile strikes on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet in annexed Crimea, with reports suggesting that Storm Shadow missiles, supplied by Britain and France, were used in the attack. These missiles have a range of just over 150 miles.

Unnamed U.S. officials cited by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal reveal that President Biden discussed this missile assistance with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, during their recent meeting at the White House. It is expected that Ukraine will receive a “small number” of ATACMS missiles in the coming weeks.

Additionally, there are reports that Ukraine might receive ATACMS missiles armed with cluster bomblets rather than single warheads, although this information has not been officially confirmed by either the U.S. or Ukraine.

This decision to provide advanced missiles follows Washington’s announcement of a new $325 million military aid package for Ukraine, including artillery and ammunition, with American Abrams tanks scheduled for delivery to Kyiv in the near future.

Both President Biden and President Zelensky have been cautious in discussing the ATACMS missile issue. However, President Zelensky expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that an agreement on the matter might be reached soon. He emphasized that Ukraine’s objective is to enhance its military capabilities in the face of the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine has long sought ATACMS missiles to bolster its counter-offensive efforts, with the belief that these missiles could target crucial Russian supply lines, command positions, and logistical hubs deep within Russian-controlled territories. This strategy aims to force Moscow to relocate these assets further away, making it more challenging to resupply troops and weaponry.

The occupied Ukrainian regions in the south, including Crimea, would be particularly vulnerable to potential strikes with ATACMS missiles.

President Putin initiated a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, initially prompting cautiousness from the Biden administration in supplying Ukraine with modern weaponry. However, the U.S. stance has since shifted significantly, with Ukraine receiving high-precision Himars long-range rocket systems and Patriot air defense missiles.

It’s worth noting that there have been concerns that providing Ukraine with ATACMS missiles could heighten the risk of a direct confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia, which underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict.