Staff Reports
The Biden administration has covertly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine to assist the country in its conflict with Russia. This aid package includes Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) that Mr. Sullivan mentioned in a briefing. Earlier, the administration had sent medium-range ATACMS to Ukraine in September, but the long-range missiles were withheld due to concerns about U.S. military readiness and the potential for escalating tensions with Russia.
When deciding to send the long-range missiles to Ukraine, the administration took into account various factors, including Russia’s acquisition of long-range missiles from North Korea, which Moscow has used to target civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Sullivan also noted that the administration had improved its production capacity, alleviating prior concerns about providing the missiles to Ukraine.
Sending increasingly escalatory weapons to Ukraine could end really badly for us.
Meanwhile, there’s no strategy for securing peace in Ukraine.https://t.co/q2CQAmRl1f
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 24, 2024
Despite worries that Ukraine might use the long-range missiles to attack Russian territory, Mr. Sullivan expressed confidence in the Ukrainian leadership’s commitment to refrain from doing so. He also emphasized that providing Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend itself could ultimately discourage Russian aggression in the long term.
While Mr. Sullivan did not disclose specific numbers, he expressed confidence that the missiles would have a positive impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and potentially shift the tide of the conflict in strategic areas. He also highlighted the belief that the occupation and invasion of a nation can ultimately weaken the aggressor over time, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine having the resources to effectively defend itself.
