US President Joe Biden has privately communicated to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy his intentions to supply Kyiv with ATACMS long-range missiles, as reported by NBC News, citing anonymous US officials and a congressional official.
Ukraine has been consistently requesting the Biden administration to provide Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to aid in targeting and disrupting supply lines, air bases, and rail networks within Russian-occupied territories.
During Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington for talks with Biden, the White House did not publicly disclose any decision regarding ATACMS, although it did announce a new $325 million military aid package for Ukraine.
The Pentagon refrained from confirming whether any promises regarding ATACMS were made to Zelenskiy during his meetings, stating, “In regards to ATACMS, we have nothing to announce.”
In Ottawa, Zelenskiy did not directly address the NBC report but acknowledged that the United States is Ukraine’s primary supplier of weaponry. He mentioned discussions encompassing various types of weapons, including long-range weapons, artillery, artillery shells, and air defense systems during an official visit to Canada.
Reuters had previously reported that the Biden administration was considering sending ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, capable of flying up to 190 miles (306 km).
ATACMS missiles are designed for deep attacks on enemy second-echelon forces, as per information available on the US Army website. They can be employed to target command and control centers, air defenses, and logistics sites situated well behind the front lines.
Despite opposition from certain Republican lawmakers, Biden publicly assured Zelenskiy during his visit that the United States would maintain strong support for Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian invaders. Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the latest package of weaponry received from the US, including air defenses, noting that it contained equipment that Ukrainian soldiers currently require.
