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Following the significant conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, American officials have confirmed that Ukraine has commenced the use of long-range ballistic missiles provided by the United States against invading Russian forces.
These weapons, according to officials are part of a $300 million aid package approved by US President Joe Biden in March, which arrived in Ukraine this April.
According to US media reports, they have already been utilised at least once to target Russian installations in occupied Crimea.
The newly deployed missiles are a longer-range version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), capable of firing missiles distances of up to 300km (186 miles).
State Department spokesman Vedant Patel who confirmed the delivery stated that “the decision was made directly by the president and was not publicly announced initially to maintain operational security for Ukraine.”
Reports indicate that the longer-range missiles were recently employed to strike a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea and target Russian troops in the occupied port city of Berdyansk.
Ukraine’s urgent need for assistance has escalated in recent months as its ammunition stocks dwindle and Russia continues to make territorial gains. The new aid package, signed into law by President Biden, follows months of congressional gridlock and opposition to aid provisions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the aid, pledging to utilise it effectively to counter Russian aggression. He highlighted the need to act swiftly in the face of ongoing threats from Russia.
