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The Big Story
Ukraine used ATACMS to target Russian helicopters
The news is the first indication the long-range missiles have arrived in Ukraine.
© South Korea Defense Ministry via AP
The long-range Army Tactical Missile System or ATACMS (pronounced “attack ’ems”) apparently arrived in Ukraine with little fanfare.
The weapons shipment to Ukraine went under the radar until Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed Russian helicopters with the long-range weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the news in a video, saying that agreements with President Biden were being “implemented very accurately.”
“ATACMS have proven themselves,” Zelensky said.
A Ukrainian official said a Russian airfield in Berdyansk was hit with the ATACMS, destroying helicopters and other equipment.
An airfield in Luhansk was also reportedly hit with the ATACMS.
It was first reported that Ukraine would get the ATACMS last month, when Zelensky and Biden met at the White House. But no agreement has ever been publicly acknowledged, and Biden administration officials have remained quiet on the topic.
ATACMS have been highly valued by Ukraine because they host a range of up to 186 miles, which puts Russian targets that are further away within the strike zone.
The type of ATACMS now in Ukraine are reportedly those equipped with cluster munition warheads, which would not be used in the event the U.S. is drawn into a war.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it was positive step for the U.S. to send the missiles but expressed disappointment in the delay.
“Waiting to supply these weapons only after many months of Ukraine’s counteroffensive is utterly nonsensical,” said McCaul.
Read the full report at TheHill.com
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