The United States has supplied Ukraine with long-range ATACMS weapons, which have the potential to make Crimea “militarily worthless” to Russia. These powerful weapons can hit high-value targets, and Ukraine has reportedly used them to strike Russia’s prized S-400 air defense launchers in Crimea. This move has been seen as a significant breakthrough in Ukraine’s fight against Russian occupation, as it could greatly weaken Russia’s military presence in the region. The US has previously provided Ukraine with shorter-range ATACMS, but the newer versions can travel up to 190 miles, putting higher-value targets within reach.
Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in 2014, is strategically important to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. It is heavily fortified and serves as the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, as well as a crucial logistics hub and military supply route to occupied southern Ukraine. Ukraine has targeted Crimea before using various weapons, including drones and missiles supplied by the UK and France. However, the ATACMS weapons have a key advantage in that they travel much faster, making them more effective in hitting high-value targets in Crimea.
Philip Karber, a military analyst with expertise on Ukraine, has stated that the delivery of ATACMS to Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. He believes that these weapons could render Crimea “militarily worthless” to Russia, given their ability to hit high-value targets in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also pointed to ATACMS as a key weapon for targeting Crimean airfields, indicating that the Ukrainian military sees them as a crucial tool in deterring Russian attacks from Crimea. Zelenskyy has said that the destruction of Russian jets in Crimea would prevent them from launching further attacks on Ukrainian territory.
The US’s decision to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS weapons comes at a time of increased military tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The recent shipment of about 100 ATACMS systems to Ukraine was reportedly carried out secretly, indicating a willingness on the part of the US to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The US had previously sent ATACMS with a shorter range to Ukraine, which helped in the fight against Russian forces last fall. The newer versions of ATACMS have the capability to hit targets at a much greater distance, potentially shifting the balance of power in Ukraine’s favor.
The use of ATACMS weapons by Ukraine to target high-value Russian military assets in Crimea has been seen as a significant escalation in the conflict. The strikes on the Dzhankoi military base, including a prized S-400 air defense launcher, demonstrate Ukraine’s ability to hit key Russian military installations in the region. These attacks have the potential to weaken Russia’s grip on Crimea and disrupt its military strategy in Ukraine. The ATACMS weapons provide Ukraine with a new level of firepower and could impact the course of the conflict in the region.
Overall, the delivery of long-range ATACMS weapons to Ukraine represents a key development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These powerful weapons have the potential to make Crimea “militarily worthless” to Russia, as they can hit high-value targets in the region. The use of ATACMS by Ukraine to strike Russian military assets in Crimea has already had a significant impact on the conflict, demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to target key installations and weaken Russia’s military presence in the region. The US’s support for Ukraine through the provision of these weapons highlights a commitment to assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
