Current:Home > reviewsFor the first time, Ukraine has used US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian forces -CapitalWay
For the first time, Ukraine has used US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian forces
View
Date:2025-04-15 11:23:52
WASHINGTON (AP) — The longer-range ballistic missiles long sought by Ukraine have been delivered quietly by the U.S. and were being used on the battlefield against Russia on Tuesday, an official familiar with the move said, nearly a month after President Joe Biden promised them to his Ukrainian counterpart.
The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter before an official announcement and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. The missiles’ delivery to the war front was shrouded in secrecy, with the expectation that the first public acknowledgement would come when the missiles were used on the battlefield.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders have been urgently pressing the U.S. to provide the Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS. But the U.S. balked for months, worried that Kyiv could use the weapons to hit deep into Russian territory, enraging Moscow and escalating the conflict.
Biden finally greenlighted the delivery last month and told Zelenskyy during a meeting at the White House that the U.S. would finally give Ukraine the ATACMs, according to officials at the time. The U.S., however, has refused to provide any details on timing or how many missiles would be delivered, although officials suggested that the plan was to send a small number of roughly two dozen.
Because of lingering U.S. concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, the ATACMS version that went to Ukraine will have a shorter range than the maximum distance the missiles can have. While some versions of the missiles can go as far as about 180 miles (300 kilometers), the ones sent to Ukraine have a shorter range of and carry cluster munitions, which when fired, open in the air, releasing hundreds of bomblets, rather than a single warhead.
veryGood! (9717)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- UConn guard Azzi Fudd will miss remainder of the season with a knee injury
- Brazil has recorded its hottest temperature ever, breaking 2005 record
- She's that girl: New Beyoncé reporter to go live on Instagram, answer reader questions
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Super pigs — called the most invasive animal on the planet — threaten to invade northern U.S.
- Ms. Rachel announces toy line in the works, asking families everywhere: 'What should we make?'
- Cuba Gooding Jr. sued for sexual assault, battery in two new lawsuits by former accusers
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Woman alleges Jamie Foxx sexually assaulted her at New York bar, actor says it ‘never happened’
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China will meet about resuming a trilateral leaders’ summit
- Irish police arrest 34 people in Dublin rioting following stabbings outside a school
- Consumers grow cautious about holiday spending as inflation, debt shorten shopping lists
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Hungary set to receive millions in EU money despite Orban’s threats to veto Ukraine aid
- Israel-Hamas truce deal for hostage release hits last-minute snag, now expected to start Friday
- Turkey’s central bank hikes interest rates again as it tries to tame eye-watering inflation
Recommendation
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
English FA council member resigns after inappropriate social media post on war in Gaza
New Jersey blaze leaves 8 firefighters injured and a dozen residents displaced on Thanksgiving
Rising 401(k) limits in 2024 spells good news for retirement savers
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
The 15 Best Black Friday 2023 Tech Deals That Are Too Good to Be True: Bose, Apple & More
Former Broncos Super Bowl champion Harald Hasselbach dies at 56
2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stream: Watch live as floats, performers march in NYC