The U.S. has delivered 20 tactical missile systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. The delivery was made out of the public eye.
According to The Kyiv Independent, the delivery was made “out of the public eye, as there were fears that they could be attacked by Russia during transport.” Moreover, it was revealed that the news about the ATACMS delivery was not made public because “Ukraine wanted to surprise the Russians.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for these weapons, as they can hit targets well beyond the frontline due to their range. According to one source, the delivery was agreed upon under the condition that the Ukrainian forces would not target locations within Russian territory.
Ukraine has already deployed ATACMS
The White House confirmed the delivery of ATACMS missiles on October 17 after the Ukrainian military announced that it had received the weapons. During the first use of the missiles, nine new helicopters, an air defense system, and an ammunition depot were reportedly destroyed, according to Kyiv. “We believe that these ATACMS will significantly enhance Ukraine’s capabilities on the battlefield,” said Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, in a statement on October 17.
Image: President.gov.ua, Working visit of the President of Ukraine to Kharkiv region 49, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size modified)
