Ukraine has resumed utilizing ATACMS surface-to-surface tactical missile system strikes within Russian territory,confirmed reports emerging on November 18,2024,indicate. This marks a important escalation after a months-long pause in such attacks,and follows recent approvals allowing Ukraine to target military assets inside Russia with U.S.-supplied weaponry.
The reintroduction of ATACMS,a precision-guided missile capable of striking at ranges up to 300 kilometers,provides Ukraine with a bolstered capability to disrupt russian logistics and command structures deeper within its own territory. This progress arrives amid ongoing conflict and shifting battlefield dynamics, potentially altering the strategic calculus for both sides. The strikes are expected to focus on military objectives, aiming to degrade Russia’s war-fighting capacity and potentially influence the trajectory of the conflict.
U.S. officials confirmed to multiple news outlets that Ukraine has begun employing ATACMS again, after a period where their use was limited to strikes within Ukrainian territory.The decision to allow strikes inside Russia was reportedly made in response to escalating Russian attacks and a perceived need to provide Ukraine with greater offensive options. While the White House has not publicly detailed the specific parameters governing the use of ATACMS,sources suggest the focus remains on military targets directly supporting Russian operations.
The ATACMS missile system was initially provided to Ukraine in the fall of 2023 as part of a larger package of U.S.military aid.Its deployment was initially hailed as a game-changer, offering Ukraine a long-range strike capability it previously lacked. However, concerns over escalation and potential Russian retaliation led to a subsequent curtailment of its use against targets within Russia. The recent resumption of these strikes signals a shift in strategy, potentially reflecting a reassessment of risks and benefits.
