Biden's ATACMS approval raises stakes in the Ukraine conflict
Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for attacks deep into Russian territory. Following the US president's decision, it is possible that the United Kingdom, which possesses Storm Shadow missiles, might also join in. These missiles can strike targets up to 250 kilometres away.
Joe Biden's decision has caused a lot of stir. The President of the United States permitted Ukraine to attack Russia with ATACMS missiles that have a range of up to 300 kilometres. This decision has brought great joy to Kyiv.
We now have a long 'Neptune' (Ukrainian cruise missiles) and not just one. And now we have ATACMS. And we will use all of this, – said President Volodymyr Zelensky. – The longer Ukraine can strike, the shorter the war will be, – adds Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
Ukraine has already used American missiles by attacking a military base in the Bryansk region about 130 kilometres from the border with Ukraine. The target was assumed to be ammunition from North Korea.
Will the United Kingdom help Ukraine? The Storm Shadow missiles are in play
The British newspaper The Guardian reports that the UK authorities might take a similar decision. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is said to have stated at the G20 summit that his country must increase its support for Ukraine and that Ukrainians should receive help for as long as possible. Starmer bluntly said that Putin could not win the war.
If the UK decides to act, Ukraine could attack targets up to 250 kilometres away. The missile's warhead weighs 450 kilograms, and the entire missile weighs over a tonne. The cost of producing one missile is up to £2.2 million.
In the past, the United Kingdom and France allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow, but soldiers could only attack Russian targets located within Ukraine's borders. President Emmanuel Macron himself, a few months ago, did not rule out the possibility of allowing Ukrainians to launch French missiles deep into Russia.
