Zelenskyy Confirms Use of Long-Range ATACMS Missiles

OCT 17 2023·Updated AUG 27

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Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Facts

Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed media reports that Ukraine has used US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian forces.
VOA
In his nightly address to Ukrainians on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said: "Today, special thanks to the United States. Our agreements with President Biden are being implemented. Very accurately — ATACMS proved themselves."
Al Jazeera
This comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that Washington had "secretly" supplied Kyiv with the Army Tactical Missile Systems in recent days.
The Wall Street Journal
After photos of the missiles' submunitions inside Ukraine were shared online, multiple US officials admitted that Kyiv had used the ATACMS to target Russia's Berdyansk and Luhansk airfields.
CNN
The ATACMS variant Ukraine has used reportedly carries a cluster munition and has a range of at least 100 miles.
CBS News
Since the war began in February 2022, the Biden administration has provided more than $75B in aid to Ukraine, including through humanitarian, financial, and military support.
Council on Foreign Relations

Sources Split

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Despite Russia's warnings, the US continues its provocations by sending more and more advanced weaponry with expanded capabilities to Kyiv. Providing Ukraine with long-range missiles makes the US party to the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow, which could lead to disastrous consequences.

XINHUA

Pro-establishment narrative

ATACMS will play a vital role in the Ukrainian counteroffensive and disrupt Russian supply lines, air bases, and rail networks within occupied Ukrainian territory. These weapons will allow Ukrainian troops to strike behind Russian lines while staying out of firing range, a justified course of action in the context of Russia's invasion.

Politico