‘I’m not going to disclose specific numbers due to operational reasons, but I am confident that they will have a significant impact,’ stated national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
In March, the Biden administration discreetly delivered long-range missiles to Ukraine to support the country in its conflict against Russia.
“I can confirm, as others have mentioned, that in February, the President instructed his team to provide Ukraine with a significant number of ATACMS missiles for use within Ukraine’s borders,” Mr. Sullivan explained. “The shipment began in March under the President’s authorized drawdown on March 12, and these missiles have now reached Ukraine.”
Prior to this, the administration had sent medium-range ATACMS to Ukraine in September. However, until March, they had refrained from providing the long-range version due to concerns about impacting U.S. military readiness and escalating tensions with Russia.
Mr. Sullivan cited several factors that influenced the decision to send the long-range missiles to Ukraine, including Russia’s acquisition of long-range missiles from North Korea, which Moscow used to target civilian infrastructure related to food, energy, and housing.
Moreover, he mentioned that the administration had enhanced its production capabilities for the system, alleviating worries about compromising U.S. military readiness by shipping the missiles to Ukraine.
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“Due to readiness concerns, we were frequently unable to provide these ATACMS. Nonetheless, behind the scenes, the administration has been diligently working to address these concerns,” Mr. Sullivan remarked.
“With a significant number of ATACMS now being produced and entering U.S. inventory, we are able to supply Ukraine with these missiles while ensuring the preparedness of the U.S. armed forces,” he added.
There was also apprehension that Ukraine might use the long-range missiles to target Russian territory, potentially leading to a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
However, Mr. Sullivan mentioned that the leadership in Kyiv had demonstrated a commitment to refraining from using these systems against Russian soil. They had agreed not to deploy the ATACMS on any part of Russia’s sovereign territory.
“They have consistently upheld this commitment with the systems we have provided them. Therefore, we trust that they will continue to honor this commitment,” he stated.
Mr. Sullivan emphasized that while there is no definitive solution to defeating Russia, the missiles are likely to assist Ukraine in holding its ground or shifting the balance of power in strategically important areas.
He also highlighted that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself would contribute to diminishing Russia’s willingness to engage in prolonged conflict over time.
“I’m not going to delve into specific numbers for operational reasons, but I am confident that they will have a significant impact,” he reiterated.
“We believe that the dynamics of this conflict favor the defending nation. Occupying and invading territories gradually diminish the strength and spirit of a nation. With the necessary tools to defend itself, Ukraine can effectively protect its land and emerge victorious.”
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