In a move that has raised eyebrows, the United States has reportedly sent approximately 20 tactical ballistic missiles, called ATACMS, to Ukraine. The New York Times reports that while the US has provided these missiles to Ukraine, they have explicitly requested that they not be used on Russian territory.
The decision to supply Ukraine with these missiles was shrouded in secrecy, with concerns about potential Russian retaliation during the transport of the missiles into the country. The New York Times explains that Washington has secured a commitment from Ukraine not to use the ATACMS missiles to strike targets on Russian soil.
This decision is driven by the anxieties of American politicians who fear that any actions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces could escalate tensions and potentially cross one of Russia’s “red lines.”
Interestingly, the United States has chosen to supply Ukraine with an older version of the missiles, as they are deemed unsuitable for conflicts involving American forces, according to Pentagon officials.
This development comes after the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which was blamed on delays in receiving weapons from the West, as highlighted by Mikhail Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The United States’ decision to provide Ukraine with these missiles raises questions about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role of external powers in the region. It also highlights the complex dynamics between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
