The United States has secretly provided Ukrainian armed forces with long-range ballistic missiles, which have already been used to strike targets deep within Russian territory, according to US officials.
The delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) was authorized by President Joe Biden last month as part of a $300m arms package. Kyiv has begun putting them to use in recent days, hitting a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week as well as Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.
More of the US-made missiles will be provided as part of an arms and aid package, which Mr. Biden said would be dispatched “within hours” following he signed a $95bn national security appropriations bill.
The president’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Mr. Biden put his signature to a “very substantial drawdown package” following he signed the long-awaited legislation at the White House on Wednesday, less than 24 hours following the Senate voted to approve it by a margin of 78 votes in favor and 18 once morest. The vote in the upper chamber ended a months-long standoff fueled by isolationist Republican opposition.
Mr. Sullivan revealed that the package would include “urgently needed artillery” and ammunition for the HIMARS rocket system, as well as “more armored vehicles, Javelins, Stingers, and air defense interceptors, among other things.” These resources are set to be dispatched immediately to make up for lost time in this critical moment.
He also confirmed that a “significant number” of ATACMS missiles had been dispatched on orders from Mr. Biden in February “for use inside Ukraine sovereign territory.” The decision to provide Ukraine with these advanced missiles was partly in response to Russia acquiring and using North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
“What we have seen from the Russians is their willingness to accept long-range missiles from other countries, specifically North Korea. They have used those in the battlefield. They have used them to attack Ukrainian civilians as well. So from our perspective, being able to step up and provide our own capabilities to Ukraine as partners of ours have, we think it’s appropriate to do at this moment. We think it is a good capability in this phase of the conflict for Ukraine,” he added.
Hours earlier, Mr. Biden addressed reporters from the White House State Dining Room just following he’d signed the legislation. He said the approval of the defense aid package was “a good day for America … a good day for Europe,” and “for world peace, for real.”
“This is consequential,” he said, adding that the law he’d just signed would “make America safer” and “make the world safer” while continuing “American leadership in the world”.
“It gives vital support to America’s partners, so they can defend themselves once morest threats to their sovereignty, and the lives and freedom of their citizens.”
He also called the new spending law “an investment in our own security because when our allies are stronger, we are stronger.”
The legislation also includes funds for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Mr. Biden thanked House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for pushing the bill through their respective chambers. Mr. Biden added that the bipartisan consensus for American leadership on the world stage was apparent in the votes to approve the bill in both the House and Senate.
Now, let’s delve into the potential future trends related to these themes and analyze their implications.
1. Escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict: The provision of long-range ballistic missiles by the United States to Ukrainian armed forces represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This move indicates the US’s strong support for Ukraine and its commitment to deterring Russian aggression. However, it also raises the risk of a further escalation in hostilities, as Russia may respond with retaliatory measures.
2. Shift in International Power Dynamics: The US’s decision to provide advanced military equipment to Ukraine underscores its role as a global superpower and highlights its commitment to supporting its allies. This move might potentially impact the balance of power in the region and lead to a reevaluation of strategic alliances. Other countries may now view the US as a more reliable partner in regional conflicts.
3. Russian Response and Consequences: Russia is likely to respond strongly to the US’s support for Ukraine, viewing it as interference in its sphere of influence. This can further strain US-Russia relations and potentially prompt a series of retaliatory actions from Russia. It may also fuel nationalist sentiment within Russia and lead to increased military spending.
4. Humanitarian and Political Implications: The provision of funds for humanitarian assistance reflects the recognition of the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by conflicts. It also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying political issues to achieve stability in regions such as Gaza. The allocation of resources for economic assistance aims to support the long-term recovery and development of these regions.
5. Impact on Global Security: The US’s decision to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry sends a clear message to other nations involved in similar territorial disputes. It establishes a precedent for the international community to consider providing military support to countries facing aggression. This may lead to an increased focus on regional security and the potential revision of existing defense agreements.
In conclusion, the US’s provision of long-range ballistic missiles and other military resources to Ukraine has far-reaching implications for regional and global dynamics. It represents a significant escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and demonstrates the US’s commitment to supporting its allies. This move is likely to provoke a strong response from Russia and may lead to increased tension in the region. Furthermore, the provision of humanitarian and economic assistance underscores the need for long-term solutions to achieve stability and support the affected populations. As these events unfold, it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor the situation and engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure a peaceful resolution.
