Biden Promises Ukraine More Long-Range Missiles – The American Spectator

On Sep 23, 2023

President Joe Biden has reportedly committed to supplying Ukraine with new long-range missiles as part of an ongoing effort to aid Ukraine in its prolonged conflict with Russia. The move marks a major victory for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with Biden at the White House on Thursday.

The Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks, have a shooting range of 45 to 190 miles. With Ukraine’s dwindling supplies of long-range missiles from Britain and France, the missiles would enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike far behind Russian front lines, thereby disrupting Russia’s maneuvers and supply lines.

U.S. officials, however, were quick to manage expectations, suggesting that the missiles shouldn’t be seen as a game-changer in a conflict that has been advancing incrementally, often just a few feet at a time, rather than seeing sweeping territorial gains.

It also remains unclear whether the new missiles will arrive in time. Gen. Mark Milley, America’s highest-ranking military officer, said Ukraine has roughly 30 to 45 days of “fighting weather” remaining before winter sets in and complicates military maneuvers.

To alleviate the U.S.’s concerns about escalation, Ukrainian officials have reportedly promised that Ukraine won’t be using the new missiles to strike Russian territory.

Biden’s decision to provide ATACMS comes as Britain and France are reconsidering their support. France, in particular, has cited the need to prioritize its own resources and raised questions about the sustainability of such aid.

Gen. Stéphane Mille, chief of the French Air and Space Force, said on Monday, “After two years we need now to have another discussion, because we cannot give, give, give and see our systems going down for Ukraine.”

While the impact of the new missiles on Ukraine’s counteroffensive remains to be seen, Biden’s move has surely sent a strategic message to Moscow, especially after Ukraine successfully targeted the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on Friday.

Germany, which has been on the fence about giving Ukraine its Taurus long-range cruise missiles, may also be spurred into action following the U.S. commitment.