The recent transfer of American long-range missiles, known as ATACMS, to Ukraine has raised concerns over the potential risks they pose to civilians due to their use of cluster munitions. Colonel Andrei Koshkin, a retired military expert and head of the Department of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychological Processes at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, highlighted these concerns in an interview with Lenta.ru.
According to Koshkin, the only danger lies in the fact that these missiles are equipped with cluster munitions, which could continue to pose a threat to civilians long after their initial use. However, he also emphasized that ATACMS is not a “miracle weapon” and its deployment will not significantly alter the balance of power on the front lines. These missiles are older models with a range of 160-190 kilometers.
Koshkin expressed confidence that Russian air defense systems such as Buk-M2, Buk-M3, S-350 “Vityaz,” as well as S-300 and S-400, would be capable of countering these missiles.
On October 20, the Pentagon announced that ATACMS had been transferred to Ukraine for use within its territory. Ukrainian President Zelensky had previously stated that the transfer of hostilities onto Russian territory was hindered by certain obstacles.
In the context of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the transfer of these missiles has raised concerns about the potential impact on civilian safety. Critics argue that the use of cluster munitions in populated areas could result in devastating humanitarian consequences, as these submunitions often fail to explode upon impact and can pose a long-term threat to civilians. However, it is important to note that experts like Koshkin do not consider ATACMS to be a game-changing weapon and believe that Russian air defense systems would be capable of countering them.
This development comes at a time when the United States’ support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia is being closely scrutinized. Critics of the US position argue that the backing of the war in Ukraine, particularly through the supply of military equipment, exacerbates the tensions in the region and hampers efforts for peaceful resolution. They also question the motivations behind such support, with some suggesting that it serves the interests of Republicans, including former President Trump and Florida Governor DeSantis.
On the other hand, supporters of the US government’s stance argue that it is necessary to provide assistance to Ukraine in order to counter Russian aggression and protect the sovereignty of a democratic ally. They believe that the transfer of military equipment, such as the ATACMS missiles, is a crucial step in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian incursions.
It remains to be seen how the transfer of ATACMS missiles will impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community will closely monitor the situation and its potential implications for regional stability and civilian safety.
