In a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s defense efforts, President Joe Biden has permitted Kyiv to deploy U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets deep within Russian territory. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, signaling heightened Western support for Ukraine as it faces renewed challenges on the battlefield.
ATACMS Deployment in Kursk
Ukraine is initially expected to use long-range missiles in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces maintain a precarious hold on a small area of Russian territory. This zone is believed to be the site of an impending major Russian counteroffensive, bolstered by the reported involvement of up to 10,000 North Korean troops.
The precision and range of ATACMS, capable of targeting military installations far from the front lines, could provide Ukraine with a critical tool to disrupt Russian operations and hold its position. Ukrainian military analysts view missiles not as a war-changing development but as a means to restore balance in a conflict where Moscow’s forces have been making incremental gains along the eastern front.
Mixed Reactions in Ukraine
While Ukrainian officials and citizens have largely celebrated the U.S. decision, some expressed frustration at the delay. Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun noted that earlier deployment of missiles might have mitigated the devastating effects of Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
“It’s a decision that could have saved lives months ago,” Sovsun remarked, emphasizing that the move is nonetheless a significant morale booster for Ukrainians.
Military officials in Kyiv also stressed the need for sufficient quantities of missiles to make a tangible impact. Oleksiy Goncharenko, an MP from Odessa, highlighted that “permission alone is not enough; we need missiles in adequate numbers to change battlefield dynamics.”
Strategic Implications
introduction of ATACMS comes as Ukraine faces the prospect of a grueling winter with Russian forces continuing missile and drone assaults on civilian areas. On Sunday, Russian strikes killed up to 20 people, underscoring the high stakes of conflict and Moscow’s determination to dictate terms.
While some Ukrainian officials have dismissed President Vladimir Putin’s warnings that U.S. support constitutes NATO’s direct involvement as “bluffing,” or are advocating for additional Western weapons systems, such as Britain and France’s Storm Shadow missiles.
“Every new system we receive is met with Russian threats, and yet nothing materializes from those threats,” said Maj. Volodymyr Omelyan of Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential of ATACMS, Ukrainian lawmakers such as Maria Ionova emphasized that advanced weaponry alone would not secure victory. She called for greater unity among Ukraine’s allies and a cohesive strategy to counter Russia’s efforts.
“This is not a silver bullet,” Ionova said. “Our enemies are united, and we must ensure that we are as well.”
A Hard Winter Looms
approval for ATACMS comes as Ukraine prepares for a challenging winter. With Russian forces showing no sign of relenting and the potential for intensified fighting in Kursk and along the eastern front, Ukraine will need to leverage every advantage it can secure.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, while cautious in his public remarks, acknowledged the significance of the move, stating: “Missiles speak for themselves. Such things are not announced—y is acted upon.”
The decision by the Biden administration to greenlight missile use represents not only a boost for Ukraine’s military capabilities but also a test of how far Western powers are willing to go in supporting Kyiv without crossing into a confrontation with Moscow.
