by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In a major development, Ukraine has started using the long-range ballistic missiles secretly supplied by the United States. It would be the first time Ukraine has used such weapons, striking at a Russian military airfield in Crimea and Russian troops in another occupied area.
The decision to provide these long-range missiles, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), was approved by U.S. President Joe Biden. The delivery of these systems was part of a larger $300 million military aid package announced in March, confirming the U.S. commitment to Ukraine amidst escalating hostilities. This aid package was part of a broader initiative, with an additional $1 billion signed into action by President Biden to strengthen Ukraine’s military response amid intensifying Russian aggression.
The deployment of these missiles has been a contentious issue within U.S. foreign policy circles, primarily due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia. The U.S. had previously provided Ukraine with mid-range missile systems to avoid the risk of strikes deep within Russian territory. However, the increasing military challenges faced by Ukraine, coupled with the strategic necessity for greater defensive depth, prompted a reassessment of this policy.
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The operational circumstances where those long-range missiles could be specifically effective included taking out Russian logistics nodes and troop concentrations. The long-range missiles would give Ukraine nearly double the striking distance—up to 300 kilometers (190 miles)—it had with the mid-range version of the weapon it received from the U.S. last October.
The United States has committed over $44.9 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the Biden Administration. The Pentagon has been actively involved in assessing the situation and aiding Ukraine. That includes over $44.2 billion since the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and bloody invasion on February 24, 2022.
The assistance package includes a variety of defense systems ranging from air defense systems and fires to ground maneuver equipment, aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems. However, long-range missiles pop out due to their strategic value and impact potential on the battlefield.
Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the careful deliberation behind this decision. He stated that these long-range capabilities were aimed at disrupting Russian logistical and military concentrations that lie beyond the immediate battlefront. This strategic move is designed to extend Ukraine’s tactical reach and safeguard its forces from counterstrikes.
Ukrainian military officials have not publicly confirmed the use of these new long-range systems. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a message on the social platform X, highlighted the critical importance of enhanced long-range capabilities for the swift restoration of peace in the region.
The deployment of these missiles comes at a time when Ukraine has been grappling with severe munitions shortages, exacerbated by delayed U.S. financial aid due to political stalemates in Congress. The arrival of these long-range systems not only boosts Ukraine’s arsenal but also sends a clear signal to Moscow about the escalating international backing for Kyiv.
Despite this provision for Ukraine, I feel there are still quite a lot of possible dangers if long-range missiles are provided to Ukraine. Long-range missiles could escalate the conflict. The Russian defense officials had expressed their concern that these missiles could be used against targets located on Russian territory and might provoke a larger war.
Offering long-range missiles to Ukraine would present a big shift in the semi-proxy conflict. It would provide, on one hand, a great defensive addition to Ukraine and send quite the message to Russia and the international community. These implications will fall under scrutiny with emerging threats and technological developments that are defining the new shape of security in the global arena. The development will also impress the needs of international cooperation and most importantly the role which these technological advancements are playing to reshape the outcomes in the conflict.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
