September 23rd 2023.
The US is reportedly set to give Ukraine advanced long-range missiles similar to the ATACMS Storm Shadow missile used in the Black Sea Fleet attack. This would give Volodymyr Zelensky’s troops the potential to hit targets behind Russian front lines, such as command positions and logistical hubs.
At least nine people were killed in the attack on the Black Sea navy headquarters in Sevastopol in Crimea. A Ukrainian military source told the BBC that a Storm Shadow missile was used, which is supplied by Britain and France and has a range of over 150 miles.
The US media reports that President Biden told Zelensky during their meeting at the White House on Thursday that Ukraine will receive a “small number” of ATACMS missiles. The Wall Street Journal claims they will be delivered in the coming weeks, while the Washington Post reports they will be armed with cluster bomblets instead of a single warhead.
The two leaders discussed military aid during the meeting, and the US subsequently announced $265 million in supplies, including artillery and ammunition. Zelensky spoke of further discussions about “all the different types of weapons – long range weapons and artillery, artillery shells with the caliber of 155mm, then air defence systems” when asked about the NBC report.
ATACMS missiles are quickly depleting, and France’s air force recently said they would have to stop deliveries soon to protect their own stocks. Ukraine is therefore pushing for assistance from the US to make sure they have the best chance in the ongoing counter-offensive in the south.
Previously, Joe Biden was hesitant to send modern weaponry, but his stance has since changed and Ukraine has already received HIMARS and Patriot air defence missiles. There are worries that supplying ATACMs could lead to further tensions with nuclear-armed Russia.
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