In the settlement of Kuban in eastern Ukraine, near the front line of Russia’s ongoing war on Ukraine, hundreds of Russian troops gathered in a field for training. However, their safety was compromised by the presence of the American-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which can strike targets up to 190 miles away and scatter grenade-sized submunitions over a wide area. Ukrainian forces observed the Russian troops and launched four ATACMS rockets, creating a lethal kill zone that resulted in the death of approximately 116 Russians.
The use of ATACMS rockets by Ukraine against Russian forces near Kuban is a significant development in the wider war and signifies poor planning on the part of Russian commanders. Ukraine had been prioritizing the acquisition of ATACMS rockets from the United States as a military strategy to target vulnerable concentrations of Russian forces. The U.S. government, after overcoming resistance from some Russia-friendly lawmakers, allocated $300 million for an emergency shipment of ATACMS to Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has stated that the Pentagon will provide Ukraine with as many ATACMS rockets as possible to counter Russian forces.
The arrival of ATACMS rockets in Ukraine has shifted the dynamics of the conflict, as they pose a significant threat to Russian forces, particularly those in vulnerable rear areas. Ukrainian forces have already used ATACMS rockets to target Russian airfields and air defense systems, demonstrating the effectiveness of the precision-guided ballistic missiles. The vulnerability of Russian forces within 190 miles of the front line to Ukraine’s growing arsenal of ATACMS rockets has led to a significant loss of life, as seen in the strike near Kuban resulting in the reported deaths of over a hundred Russian troops.
The Russian forces had prior knowledge of the impending threat posed by ATACMS rockets, as Ukrainian forces had targeted Russian trainees and air defense systems in previous attacks. Despite the danger and warnings, the Russian troops gathered in an open area near Kuban, leading to the deadly strike by the ATACMS rockets. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with the use of advanced weaponry playing a crucial role in determining the outcome of the war. The reliance on ATACMS rockets by the Ukrainian military underscores their strategic advantage in targeting vulnerable Russian positions.
The international response to the conflict, particularly the U.S. government’s provision of advanced weaponry to Ukraine, has further intensified the situation. The allocation of funds for emergency shipments of ATACMS rockets highlights the support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. With thousands of ATACMS rockets in the U.S. arsenal and plans to provide additional rockets to Ukraine, the conflict is likely to escalate as both sides continue to deploy advanced military capabilities. The deadly strike near Kuban serves as a stark illustration of the devastating impact of modern warfare on the battlefield and the ongoing struggle for control in the region.
