Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism following the U.S. approval permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. In his nightly address, he remarked, “Such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves,” alluding to the tangible impact of military firepower rather than mere words. This development comes after months of advocacy from Zelensky, who is intent on bolstering Ukraine's defenses amid ongoing Russian advances.
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), recently supplied by Washington, is expected to be employed primarily in the Kursk region to defend against a significant Russian counter-offensive bolstered by up to 10,000 North Korean troops. Military experts in Ukraine view the application of these missiles as a leveler of sorts, although they acknowledge that it may not entirely shift the course of the war, which has seen Ukraine on the defensive for months.
Maj. Volodymyr Omelyan, a member of Ukraine's armed forces, noted the motivation the announcement brings to troops but emphasized the importance of continuous support, deeming Russia's threats of escalation as nothing more than “bluffing.” He, along with a former government minister, expressed frustration over the delay in the U.S. decision, indicating that had it been made sooner, it could have prevented further losses and damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun celebrated the decision but also expressed discontent over the timing, implying that earlier support would have saved lives and mitigated the impacts of the war. Other officials, like MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, stressed the need not only for permission to use the missiles but also for an ample supply to realize a significant effect on the ground.
Despite some optimism, MP Maria Ionova cautioned against overly relying on missile strikes, insisting that strategy and unity are key to countering a cohesive enemy front. The continued severity of the conflict was starkly illustrated by a recent Russian drone strike that resulted in numerous casualties, underscoring Moscow's commitment to pursuing its objectives aggressively.
As the winter approaches, the implications of employing long-range missiles raise crucial questions about the future of military strategy in Ukraine and whether this capability could substantially influence peace talks expected later.
