the essential
Washington has given permission to Ukraine to fire long-range missiles delivered by the United States into Russian territory. A decision that could change the face of the conflict between the two countries. But what exactly will the Ukrainian army be able to do in enemy territory?
This is a decision that Ukraine has been waiting for a long time. By giving him authorization to fire long-range missiles delivered by the United States on Russian territory, Joe Biden is making a major strategic turning point, shortly before his departure from the White House and the return of Donald Trump.
Also read:
REPLAY. War in Ukraine: US authorizes kyiv to use long-range missiles against Russia
What are these long-range missiles?
kyiv has long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missiles MGM-140 ATACMS (Army TActical Missile System). They were put on the market in 1991 by the United States and were used extensively during the two Gulf wars. Until now, Ukraine could only use them within its own borders, including the occupied territories.
What is their scope?
After making a first delivery of these missiles with a range of 165 kilometers, in October 2023, the United States provided Ukraine with another version, capable of hitting a target 300 kilometers away. It was used for the first time by the Ukrainian army in April 2024, according to the American agency Associated Press. BFMTV points out that these are stealth devices, which travel at a speed close to that of sound and which are equipped with 170 kg of explosives.
For which targets?
With these missiles, Ukraine could hit logistical sites of Russian forces and airfields from which its bombers take off. A first target could be the Russian border region of Kursk, where North Korean soldiers have been deployed to reinforce Russian troops, according to the New York Times. The decision by Washington to authorize Ukraine to use these missiles would have been taken precisely in reaction to this deployment of North Korean soldiers.
