Kyiv, Ukraine – The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has taken a new turn as Ukrainian forces have begun to use long-range ballistic missiles provided by the United States to strike back against Russian invaders. The US confirmed that these missiles, part of a $300 million aid package approved by President Joe Biden in March, were used to target Russian forces in occupied Crimea.
The decision to provide Ukraine with these advanced weapons marks a significant shift in US policy, as they previously only supplied mid-range missile systems. This move was made to support Ukraine’s defense efforts as they face depleting ammunition and steady advances by the Russian military.
State Department spokesman Vedant Patel confirmed that the US had provided Ukraine with these long-range missiles at the president’s direction. The decision was kept secret initially to ensure operational security at Ukraine’s request.
Recent reports indicate that these missiles have already been used in attacks on Russian targets, including a strike on a Russian airfield in Crimea and an assault on Russian troops in the port city of Berdyansk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the aid package, stating that they would now strive to make up for lost time and push back against Russian aggression.
The increasing tensions between Ukraine and Russia have led to growing concerns about the potential for a Russian offensive in the coming weeks. Ukrainian forces have faced challenges due to a lack of ammunition and delays in military aid from Western allies. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan acknowledged that Russia could make further gains in the near future.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people. The use of advanced missile systems by Ukraine marks a new phase in the conflict and underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely to see how events will unfold in the region.
