Russian propagandist Olga Skabeyeva, known for her unwavering support of Vladimir Putin, expressed concern over US missile deliveries to Ukraine. The US government secretly authorized the shipment of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine, ahead of a $300 million aid package announcement in March. Congress approved an additional $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, with more deliveries expected soon. Skabeyeva warned that these long-range missiles could reach Russian territory and disputed regions such as Crimea and Donetsk. She also claimed that the weapons had already been delivered to Ukraine, despite official statements indicating otherwise.
Ukraine has been using a shorter-range cluster variant of ATACMS since October 2023, causing significant damage to Russian-occupied areas. The new shipments of long-range missiles, launched by US-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), have a range of approximately 186 miles. Admiral Christopher Grady of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized that these missiles would be used to target Russian areas away from the front lines. The Kremlin responded by suggesting that the deliveries would prompt Russia to push Ukrainian forces further back, creating a larger “buffer zone.”
Skabeyeva’s remarks on the potential threat posed by US missile deliveries to Ukraine were made during a broadcast of the Russia-1 program 60 Minutes. She highlighted the range of the ATACMS, noting that Ukrainian forces could now target Russian settlements like Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, and Rostov-on-Don. Skabeyeva also raised concerns about the missiles reaching disputed territories claimed by Russia, such as Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. Despite official assurances that the deliveries had not yet taken place, Skabeyeva claimed that all the weapons from the $61 billion aid package were already in the possession of Ukraine’s enemies.
The US government’s decision to authorize the shipment of ATACMS to Ukraine has raised tensions between Russia and the US. The long-range missiles are expected to provide Ukraine with increased capabilities to target Russian positions further afield. Admiral Grady defended the decision, stating that it was carefully considered and in line with supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. The Kremlin responded by indicating that the missile shipments would prompt them to create a larger buffer zone, pushing Ukrainian forces back.
Overall, the delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine has sparked concerns among Russian propagandists like Olga Skabeyeva, who fear the implications for Russian territories. The US government’s decision to provide military aid to Ukraine, including ATACMS, aims to bolster Ukrainian defense capabilities against Russian aggression. The situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for potential escalation as a result of the missile deliveries and increased military aid. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to be a source of international concern, with implications for regional stability and security.
