Ukraine fired at least six long-range U.S. missiles against Russia Tuesday, two days after President Joe Biden lifted a ban against their use, allowing Ukrainian forces to hit targets farther inside Russian borders.
The missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, targeted a weapons depot near the city of Karachev in Russia’s southwestern Bryansk region, more than 70 miles from the Ukrainian border.
The missiles are significant because they give Ukraine the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons if it or neighboring Belarus is attacked by foreign ballistic missile attacks,” ABC News reported.
How US long-range missiles could extend Ukraine’s reach into Russia
Five of the missiles were intercepted and one was damaged, according to the Russian defense ministry. Falling debris from one missile fell on a military site, lighting it on fire, USA TODAY reported.
Ukraine can use a ATACMS long-range US missile to combat Russia
What are ATACMS?
ATACMS – pronounced “attack ’ems” according to the New York Times – are long-range, guided missiles that are directed by Global Positioning Systems and, says Lockheed Martin, its manufacturer.
The missiles carry 500-lb. blast fragmentation warheads and have a maximum range of 186 miles. They can be launched from HIMARS and MLRS M270 platforms.
The missiles can travel farther than other weapons Ukraine has, but they don’t have the distance capability of a cruise missile or an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Times says.
Payloads include a single 500-lb. explosive warhead or 300 bomblets, Reuters reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought permission to use the weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought permission for months to use the weapons before Biden gave it.
The missiles are expensive and in limited supply, USA TODAY reported. The U.S. will not “dip below our own readiness levels” by giving too many to Ukraine, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said Monday.
CONTRIBUTING Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Reuters
