ATACMS Missile Threatens Russian Hold on Crimea, Says Ex-U.S. General

atacms-missile-threatens-russian-hold-on-crimea-says-ex-us-general

According to former U.S. General Ben Hodges, the potential deployment of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine might completely alter Kyiv’s plans for retaking Crimea.

An unnamed U.S. official was quoted by ABC News as indicating that the weapons were on their way. Another person stated that although a final decision had not been taken, the technology was on the table and maybe included in an impending U.S. security package for Kiev.

Newsweek was unable to confirm these assertions. We used the U.S. State Department’s online request form to get in touch with them for comment.

With a range of up to 190 miles, ATACMS would enable Ukrainian forces to hit targets much farther away than the M270 multiple-launch rocket system and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), both of which were provided by the United States.

Hodges, a retired lieutenant general, served as the previous commander of the US Army in Europe. He is among the military leaders who have urged Washington on numerous occasions to give Kiev long-range systems so that it might reclaim Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

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New Military Aid Boosts Ukraine’s Defense

atacms-missile-threatens-russian-hold-on-crimea-says-ex-us-general
According to former U.S. General Ben Hodges, the potential deployment of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine might completely alter Kyiv’s plans for retaking Crimea.

The systems might be used to attack air bases, command and control centers, and logistics nodes, particularly ammunition storage facilities, on the peninsula. As one of its battle objectives, Kiev has stated that it aimed to retake Crimea.

In order to balance its worries about how to provide military aid to Ukraine without worsening the conflict begun by Moscow, Washington has been reluctant to provide ATACMS. But, equivalent Storm Shadow missiles have been sent by the UK and France.

In May, President Joseph Biden made a suggestion that Ukraine could still receive ATACMS. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser for the United States, stated in July that Biden had discussed supplying the weaponry with his counterpart from Ukraine and that the president will ultimately decide whether or not to do so.

Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, declared in August that only within its own boundaries will Kyiv’s troops use long-range missiles like the ATACMS.

It comes from the U.S. Secretary of State Anton y Blinken announcing a new $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv this week.

Read Also: Russian Military Leader Admits Ukraine Operation as Prelude to European Invasion

Source: Newsbreak

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