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America’s top general has indicated a potential shift in the United States stance on providing long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, a request that has been ongoing since 2021 but met with hesitation due to escalation concerns.
Gen. CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, told reporters, “the risk of escalation is not as high as maybe it was at the beginning.” This statement marks a significant departure from previous positions amidst increasing debates over the strategic implications of such military aid.
The reluctance to supply these missiles was previously driven by Russian warnings that doing so would represent a severe provocation, potentially triggering a direct conflict with NATO or even a nuclear response. Despite these concerns, the comments from Gen. suggest a softening of the US position.
When asked if there could be the potential for ATACMS to be sent to Ukraine, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated, “I have nothing to announce here publicly today on that issue. When we do have something to share, we will be sure to share it.”
Many observers see the potential of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine as a potential game-changer. This capability would enable Kyiv to target strategic Russian positions deep within contested territories, including railroads and even Crimea. Some analysts believe that this capability could significantly alter the dynamics on the ground, offering Ukraine the means to disrupt Russian advances and fortify its defenses amidst ongoing territorial losses.
Additional takeaway:
Gen. Brown also commented on the potential for a new Russian offensive, saying, “I don’t know if the Russians can generate a major offensive. I mean, if you look at…what’s happened over the course of…the past year, the Russians have actually thrown a lot of capability and personnel and weapon systems and vehicles to gain what they have gained. And the way I would say, it’s almost a meat grinder.”
