Ukrainian forces reportedly used U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for the first time, targeting two airfields in Russian-occupied areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the successful strikes, stating that the weapons had “proven themselves.” The Ukrainian military had requested these missiles from the U.S., vowing not to use them inside Russia’s territory.
The attacks were said to have caused significant damage to the airfields near Luhansk and Berdiansk, both under Russian control. Ukrainian Special Forces claimed to have destroyed nine helicopters, an air defense missile launcher, runways, and other equipment, inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. However, a Moscow-installed official in the partially Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia region alleged that cluster munitions from the ATACMS missiles were found there.
While there was no immediate official response from Russia, an earlier statement mentioned that Russian air defenses had thwarted a Ukrainian air attack near Berdiansk. The ATACMS, capable of flying up to 190 miles (310 km), appeared to have provided Ukraine with a significant advantage in the conflict. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry hinted at more developments to come. A Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson emphasized the precision and effectiveness of the strikes in denying the enemy any chance of defense.
Image Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/23/world/europe/ukraine-us-military-aid-biden.html
