The United States has secretly supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in recent weeks, and last week the Ukrainian army used them for the first time, according to US officials, according to news agencies “Reuters” and “Associated Press”.
The missiles were included in the $300 million military aid package for Ukraine approved by US President Joe Biden on March 12, one US official said, without specifying how many missiles were sent.
Other officials told The Associated Press that a “significant” number of ATACMS were delivered in March, and more missiles will be delivered in a new military aid package announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian army used missiles for the first time on the morning of April 17 against the Russian airfield in Crimea.
The Pentagon initially opposed the transfer of ATACMS to Ukraine, fearing that removing the missiles from the US arsenal would harm the combat readiness of the US military and that Ukraine could use them to attack targets deep inside Russia.
However, the US changed its stance after Russia used North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles against Ukraine in December and January. In addition, the US also took into account that the target of Russian attacks is the critical infrastructure of Ukraine.
“We warned Russia about these things. They have resumed their attacks,” one of the officials added.
ATACMS missile. Photo: South Korean Defense Ministry
