Ukraine plans to attack Russia with long-range weapons soon
Reuters reported that Ukraine plans to attack Russia with long-range weapons in the coming days.
According to RIA Novosti, citing sources, Reuters said on November 18 that Ukraine plans to attack Russian territory with long-range weapons in the near future.
“Ukraine plans to carry out its first strikes with long-range weapons in the coming days,” Reuters reported.
It is believed that the first strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine deep into Russian territory will most likely be carried out with ATACMS missiles.
On the evening of November 17, the New York Times quoted unnamed US administration officials as reporting that US President Joe Biden had for the first time authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. According to the New York Times, the head of the White House took this step after reports of “the presence of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region”.
Meanwhile, the Figaro newspaper reported that France and Britain allowed Ukraine to fire Scalp and Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.
However, the Times said the US may not allow Ukraine to use British long-range Storm Shadow missiles to attack Russian territory.
“Downing Street sources said the ATACMS authorised by President Biden has different military characteristics to the Storm Shadow missile. This could mean the US will still not allow the Storm Shadow to be used, despite a separate request from the government,” the paper wrote.
The Times noted that the British-developed Storm Shadow missiles require American technology and their use must be approved in advance.
The ATACMS tactical missile can hit targets at a distance of up to 300 km. While the destructive range of the Storm Shadow cruise missile ranges from 250 to 560 km, depending on the modification.
On the Russian side, President Vladimir Putin has stated that NATO countries are discussing not only the possibility of using long-range weapons by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but also direct participation in the conflict in Ukraine.
According to Putin, the Kiev authorities attacked Russian territory with drones and other means. “When it comes to the use of long-range, high-precision weapons of Western production, it is necessary to understand that such operations were carried out with the participation of the armies of the coalition countries, since only they can carry out flight missions using missile systems,” the Russian President explained.