In a significant shift, the United States has authorized Ukraine to utilize American-made weaponry, including ATACMS rockets with an impressive range of up to 306 kilometers, to launch strikes deep into Russian territory, as confirmed by two US officials and a knowledgeable source.
President Vladimir Putin remarked in September that this decision implies “the direct involvement of NATO countries” in the ongoing conflict.
Take a look at some weapon systems that Western nations initially hesitated to provide Ukraine, only to ultimately deliver them after intense discussions:
ATACMS
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long sought the capability to hit targets deeper within Russian-held areas—this is vital for undermining enemy logistics and disrupting command structures.
Following this, in early 2024, a longer-range variant of the ATACMS missile, capable of reaching up to 300 kilometers, was delivered. With the backing of the United States, Ukraine can now strike significant targets within Russia, notably potentially in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces maintain control over substantial territory and where reports indicate a concentration of North Korean troops.
Back in August, analysts from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War pointed out that numerous known Russian military installations fall within the ATACMS range. Still, there’s speculation that despite the logistic complexities, some military assets may have been relocated further into Russia in preparation for this new development.
F-16s
Almost immediately after the invasion commenced, Ukraine began requesting F-16 fighter jets to enhance its long-range strike capabilities and defend against the many cruise missiles launched by Moscow into Ukrainian territory.
Training for Ukrainian pilots on these jets began only in August 2023—a process that followed extensive discussions among allied nations regarding which countries would provide the aircraft and the necessary training.
The first F-16s were delivered to Ukraine in July, and the urgency to expedite pilot training was palpable. On July 31, Ukraine confirmed the arrival of these first planes.
Unfortunately, one of these aircraft crashed shortly after, as it attempted to intercept Russian missiles targeting ground sites within Ukraine.
Western Tanks
While Ukraine’s eastern European neighbors initially offered Soviet-era tanks at the onset of the invasion, Kyiv had its sights set on Western models, particularly the British Challenger 2 and the German-built Leopard 2. After protracted negotiations, the transfer of these tanks was finally approved in January 2023.
Germany was initially reticent, fearing that such a move might escalate tensions with Russia. Eventually, it consented to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks from both its own stockpiles and those of partner nations.
Strikes on Russia
For over two years, the United States maintained a strict policy prohibiting Ukraine from using its weapon systems to strike Russian territory. However, in the wake of a Russian offensive in May 2024 near the northwestern city of Kharkiv, this policy shifted under increasing pressure from Ukraine.
In a covert move, President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to utilize US-supplied weapons against military targets inside Russia that were aiding the offensive on Kharkiv. This significant endorsement represents a turning point in Ukraine’s military strategy, allowing it to take the fight deeper into enemy territory.
As history unfolds, this evolving dynamic between the U.S. and Ukraine underscores the complexities of modern conflict and the delicate balance of international relationships. “In times of war, our choices define not only our present but also shape the future,” as one military strategist puts it.
This journey of military support illustrates the commitment of Western nations to Ukraine’s defense while navigating the treacherous waters of global diplomacy and the underlying motivations that drive these critical decisions.
The acknowledgment of Ukraine’s needs marks a broader shift in how nations respond to aggression and tyranny, reminding us all of the basic tenets of sovereignty and international law. What comes next in this ongoing saga remains a topic of intense speculation, as each escalation brings with it a new array of consequences and decisions on the world stage.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
