Ukraine uses longer-range ATACMS missiles after being secretly provided by US

Advanced long-range missiles that were secretly supplied by the United States have been used in the Ukrainian war for the first time to attack a Russian base.

The Pentagon has reportedly confirmed that the longer-range variant of the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) was sent to Ukraine in secret, and used to attack a Russian air base in Crimea.

Ukraine had repeatedly requested for the new variant of the missiles last year, before the Biden administration finally acted.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the US for its support and acknowledged the usefulness of the ATACMS weapons.

He said: "These days we have been working with our American friends at all levels as actively as possible to quickly fill this package from the United States with the weapons our warriors need.

"From ATACMS and artillery, anti-tank weapons and HIMARS munitions to the necessary air defence systems and vehicles.

"I am grateful to President Biden, the US Congress and all Americans who realise the need to take the wind out of Putin's sails, not to submit to him, as only then will there truly be fewer threats to freedom."

ATACMS was first used by Ukraine in October 2023, however this is the first time the longer-ranged variant has been used in combat.

According to the Kyiv Post, up to six explosions were recorded at Dzhankoi air base, with Russian S-300 or S-400 surface-to-air missiles believed to have been the target.

In recent months, Ukraine has suffered from a shortage of artillery ammunition, meaning long-range weapons such as the ATACMS will become more of a priority.

Senator Roger Wicker for Mississippi said: "These strikes proved – once again – that Ukraine can notch battlefield victories when given the right tools.

"Ukraine can put a target on every Russian asset in Crimea, including critical ammunition and fuel depots.

"Imagine if they had these missiles two years ago.

"It is past time to provide Ukraine with the munitions that matter to the fight."