The United States recently sent a new long-range missile system to Ukraine, which was immediately used by Ukrainian forces to attack a Russian military airfield in Crimea and Russian troops in the southeast. The system included a range of about 190 miles, allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into occupied territories. The decision to send these missiles was secretly approved by President Biden in mid-February, as part of a $300 million weapons shipment in March, the first new aid package for Ukraine since late December.
The longer-range missiles were among the last major weapons systems that Ukraine wanted, and the United States had been hesitant to provide. However, Biden and his aides ultimately approved the donation due to concerns about Russian aggression, shortage concerns within the Army, and increased attacks on critical infrastructure by Russia. These new missiles were part of a larger aid package for Ukraine, including more of the cluster munition variant, which was kept secret to avoid tipping off the Russians.
The initial strike using the new missiles had a significant impact, with videos showing fires erupting at the targeted airfields. The strike reportedly destroyed multiple military targets, including surface-to-air missile systems, radar stations, and air defense command posts. The arms package provided to Ukraine in March was described as a stopgap measure, with only a few weeks’ worth of arms and ammunition. The package included air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, and armor systems.
Ukrainian forces have engaged in successful attacks on military targets inside Russia, including the recent destruction of a long-range radar beyond Ukraine’s border using kamikaze drones. Advocates for arming Ukraine have criticized the Biden administration’s reluctance to escalate the conflict with Russia and have urged the White House to provide the weapons needed for Ukraine to defend itself effectively. American military officials have noted that their supply of ATACMS is limited, with only about 4,000 missiles manufactured since the 1980s.
Recent developments in eastern Ukraine show Russian troops making advances into villages, while Ukrainian forces continue to struggle to hold their lines. Russia has moved quickly into key towns like Chasiv Yar, posing a significant threat to Ukraine’s defense of the Donbas region. Ukrainian troops have also faced challenges in areas like Avdiivka, which fell to Russian forces in February. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing clashes and the need for continued support for Ukraine from the international community.
