The United States has consented to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles, offering a significant military enhancement for Kyiv.

In a significant development, US President Joe Biden has authorized the supply of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. This decision marks a substantial enhancement of Ukraine’s military capabilities, allowing them to target Russian military logistics at long-range distances. The move comes as Ukraine prepares for its second winter of conflict. During a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, President Biden confirmed that a limited number of ATACMS weapons would be transferred to Ukraine, as reported by NBC, citing US officials.

Ukraine had been seeking ATACMS for several months, but initial reluctance from US officials stemmed from concerns about their own limited stockpile and the potential for accusations of escalation by Russia. However, Ukraine has committed to not targeting Russian territory with these long-range missile systems. A waiver that allows the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine has also expanded the number of potential missiles that could be used, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Fired from mobile launchers, ATACMS missiles possess the capability to strike targets up to 190 miles (approximately 300 kilometers) away. This gives Ukrainian forces the ability to engage far beyond the frontline, targeting critical assets such as command headquarters, weapons depots, and supply networks, including railways.

When asked about reports suggesting a shift in President Biden’s stance, President Zelenskiy did not provide a direct response. Instead, he emphasized the United States’ role as Ukraine’s primary weapons supplier during a press conference in Canada, as reported by Reuters. Zelenskiy stated that discussions encompassed various types of weaponry, including long-range weapons, artillery, shells with a caliber of 155mm, and air defense systems.

Ukraine’s acquisition of ATACMS represents the latest achievement in an ongoing campaign to secure more advanced weaponry from Western allies. This effort has been bolstered by Ukrainian military successes on the ground. When Russia initiated its invasion last year, guided anti-tank missiles were among the advanced equipment sent to Ukraine. Currently, Ukraine boasts a fleet of Western tanks, surface-to-air missile defense systems, and pilots undergoing training to operate a fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Ukrainian troops have prior experience with the Himars mobile rocket launchers, which serve as the delivery platform for ATACMS missiles. These systems were introduced through US transfers initiated in the previous year.However, the initial supply to Ukraine included only shorter-range guided rockets. The introduction of long-range missiles holds particular significance for winter warfare when cold weather tends to slow fighting along the frontlines. During this period, Russia may seek to reinforce its defenses in occupied Ukrainian territory.