UPDATE: Ukraine has officially confirmed the use of US-made ATACMS missiles in a significant strike against Russian territory, marking a pivotal shift in military operations. The announcement, made on October 31, 2024, follows months of uncertainty surrounding the deployment of these long-range weapons.
In a statement, Ukraine’s General Staff declared that the ATACMS strikes will continue, underscoring a renewed commitment to utilize these powerful missiles in the ongoing conflict. This announcement represents the first public disclosure of such actions since the commencement of the second Trump administration.
While specific details of the strike were not disclosed, the General Staff confirmed that the ATACMS were employed in a “precision strike.” The Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) boast a maximum range of approximately 190 miles and are typically deployed from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System or the M240 Multiple Launch Rocket System, both of which Ukraine currently operates.
Reports from several Russian Telegram channels indicated that air defense systems were activated over the Voronezh region, although independent verification of the targeted area remains unconfirmed.
This announcement comes after a protracted period of delays regarding US approval for targeting within Russia. Due to the American origin of Ukraine’s launchers and missiles, Kyiv had been required to align its operational targets with the Pentagon. In November 2024, then-President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on these military assets, allowing Ukraine to attack Russian soil directly, leading to strikes in the Bryansk region.
The hesitance in Washington to permit such strikes stemmed from fears of escalating the conflict, particularly concerns that it could provoke a nuclear response from Moscow. Since the initial strike last year, Ukraine maintained silence on ATACMS usage as President Trump’s administration sought a ceasefire with Russia. Reports indicated that the Pentagon had been stalling Ukraine’s requests for ATACMS strikes throughout the summer.
Ukraine’s recent announcement suggests a notable shift in US policy, though the underlying reasons for this change remain ambiguous. The White House and Pentagon have not yet responded to inquiries regarding this development.
As the conflict evolves, Ukraine has been supplementing Western munitions with its own long-range missile systems, including the Flamingo, targeting critical facilities deep within Russia. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have employed large, slow-moving winged drones with explosive payloads, further diversifying their attack strategies.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching for further strikes and potential responses from the Kremlin, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.
