Ukrainian forces for the first time used a longer-range version of weapons known as ATACMS, striking an airfield in Crimea and Russian troops in southeastern Ukraine.

The United States last week secretly shipped a new long-range missile system to Ukraine, and Ukrainian forces immediately used the weapons to attack a Russian military airfield in Crimea last Wednesday and Russian troops in the country’s southeast overnight on Tuesday, according to a senior U.S. official.

The United States previously supplied Ukraine with a version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems — known as ATACMS — armed with wide-spreading cluster munitions that can travel 100 miles.

But Ukraine has long coveted the system’s longer-range version, with a range of about 190 miles. That can reach deeper into occupied Ukraine, including Crimea, a hub of Russian air and ground forces, and supply nodes for Moscow’s forces in the country’s southeast.

Overnight Tuesday, Ukraine used the longer-range missiles to strike Russian troops in the port city of Berdiansk on the Sea of Azov, the senior U.S. official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters.

MBFC
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  • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
    220·
    2 months ago

    ‘Big deal’ is kind of an understatement for a stand-off between 2 nuclear behemoths, that at multiple points during the crisis could have ended the entire world.

    What has changed?

    Ukraine getting the capability to strike at any target within the occupied territories is a pretty big deal though.

    Some would/will call that a provocation.

    Here’s to hoping they arrive in time for the Ukranians to honor may 9th with fireworks.

    They are already there.

    • RubberDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      2 months ago

      A provocation? to hit Russian targets within occupied Ukranian territory?

      Look, I know the Russians expected to be hailed as saviors and welcomed by the Ukranians. But they have awoken from that fairytale some time ago.

      So now calling foul when your military assets start blowing up even further behind the front lines would be something I expect them to whine over… But what are they going to do?

      I hope that Putin gets to see his precious bridge to crumble.

      • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
        210·
        2 months ago

        The why doesn’t matter. Remember we are talking about long range weapons to Ukraine being taken seriously. The reason is that as with what the Russians did putting missiles in Cuba, NATO is putting long range weapons in Ukraine, which can reach Russia. Russia wcan call that a provocation if it is or not. Will they attack NATO because of that? I wouldn’t think they are that stupid. But, then they did invade Ukraine.

          • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
            21·
            2 months ago

            Mostly with drones.

            And you have a good point since now Ukraine has established the idea of striking inside Russia, the geopolitics are less important.

            Which is the point I was wanting to get to. Wars evolve through time. What was an important consideration at one point, in this case blowback, is not necessarily as important now. So many times I see people not realizing this fact.

    • NegativeInf@lemmy.worldEnglish
      13·
      2 months ago

      The US giving them the missiles or the fact that they can penetrate deeper into their invaded homeland? Because the active invasion they are fighting off sounds more like provocation than either.

      • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
        218·
        2 months ago

        But,those misses can also reach across Russian borders into Russian cities. Which is clearly the reason for concern.

        • RubberDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
          81·
          2 months ago

          Using the long range NATO ordenance in Russia proper after agreeing to not do that is the quickest way to not getting any more.

          Ukraine is quickly developing their own capabilities to strike into Russia, as they can then use the NATO ordenance in ukraine.

          This worry is nonsense.

          • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
            213·
            2 months ago

            Here I was not worrying about it, but rather discussing the geopolitical ramifications. Silly me.

            • RubberDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
              91·
              2 months ago

              What geopolitical ramifications? It is a hypothetical that has no foundation in reality. Ukranians will not use the NATO weapons in Russia proper due to self interest. Without western support they will lose to Russia so they will not jeopardize that help.

              This seems like concern trolling at best.

              • Rapidcreek@lemmy.worldEnglish
                18·
                2 months ago

                Ukranians will not use the NATO weapons in Russia proper due to self interest.

                So many things have happened in war, that one would think never would hapen.

                • RubberDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
                  3·
                  2 months ago

                  Yes you are right, completely excluding the possibility is not possible.

                  But then, they are fighting an enemy that, loots, rapes and pillages the territory they occupy, tortures prisoners, summarily executes surrendering troops. Deliberately targets civilian infrastructure like schools, hospitals, powerplants and the like and recently started hitting civilian targets with double tap strikes in order to kill first responders.

                  So I’ll just add you to my growing Blocklist and go about my day now. I suggest you reevaluate your life’s choices as you are advocating on the wrong side of history here.