For the first time since the conflict began, Ukraine has confirmed the use of US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelensky praising their performance. “They have performed very accurately. ATACMS have proven themselves,” he remarked in an evening address posted on social media.
In an operation dubbed “Operation Dragonfly”, Ukrainian special forces targeted and struck two Russian military airfields. Subsequent reports suggest that the missiles successfully destroyed nine helicopters, an air defence launcher, and damaged key runways. The strikes took place in the Russian-occupied southern city of Berdyansk and the eastern city of Lugansk.
“Losses in the enemy’s manpower amount to dozens of dead and wounded. Bodies are still being pulled from the rubble,” commented the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in a post-operation statement.
The delivery and use of these missiles have been shrouded in secrecy, contrasting with the transparency exhibited in prior US aid shipments to Ukraine. The White House finally broke its silence, with National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stating, “We believe these ATACMS will provide a significant boost to Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities without risking our (US) military readiness.” Watson further clarified that the version sent to Ukraine had a reduced range of 165 kilometers, contrary to the missile’s maximum range of around 300 kilometers.
Ukraine released a video which it said shows the launch of ATACM missiles
In a video message, Zelensky expressed his gratitude towards the United States, hinting at prior arrangements with President Biden: “Today, a special thanks to the United States. Our agreements with President Biden are being implemented.”
However, the decision has stirred a diplomatic storm. Russian ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, labeled the US’s decision to supply these missiles as “a grave mistake”, warning of “the most serious” consequences.
Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-backed official from Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, backed claims that the ATACMS were indeed used in the Berdyansk strike. Further corroborating this, fragments of ATACMS missiles were discovered at the strike site.
The strategic importance of these missile systems cannot be understated, as Kyiv has long petitioned the West for long-range weapons to aid its counteroffensive. The ATACMS, produced by the US global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, are designed to provide operational commanders with significant firepower, particularly equipped with a specialized GPS system.
Despite the successful operation, Kyiv’s counteroffensive against Russian forces has been slower than initially anticipated. President Zelensky remains undeterred, thanking “every warrior” for their ongoing efforts and highlighting the importance of destroying enemy logistics bases on Ukrainian soil.
