Joe Biden could provide America’s devastating ‘wonder weapon’ to Ukraine following talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky later today, an analyst told Daily Express US.
Mykola Volkivskyi – a former advisor to Ukraine’s Parliament who is in Washington for the upcoming talks – said the longer-range ATACMS missile system would be “crucial” in Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
He said: “It is clear that the supply of weapons and an increase in their number will be the number one topic of the talks. I think that a new military aid package will be announced following the meeting.
“Announcements on ATACMS may come at the talks. I think Zelensky has every opportunity to convince Biden to hand over the missiles by showing him the course of events on the Ukrainian front.”
The missiles – dubbed ‘wonder weapon’ for their pinpoint accuracy – are launched from HIMARS and can target up to 190 miles. Many analysts believe they could be used more quickly on the battlefield than current longer-range weapons such as the British Storm Shadow missile which is plane-launched.
The Biden Administration has dragged its feet on providing Ukraine with some advanced weapons systems, including ATACMS.
However, it has increasingly provided – or promised to provide – weapons including anti-tank missiles, HIMARS and, in the near future, M1A1 Abrams Tanks.
Mr Volkivskyi believes it is crucial to provide Ukraine with these weapons before the so-called mud season sets in the winter and fighting slows down.
He said: “Ukraine is entering a seasonal period when it will need to fight with weapons that can hit the enemy’s rear.
“If the autumn is rainy, the Ukrainian army will probably not be able to actively use armored vehicles and will be forced to operate from the position of long-range weapons and artillery.”
In addition, the analyst believes such a decision would remind rogue states in the world of Western “dominance”.
He added: “Geopolitical challenges, such as the transfer of missiles to Russia from North Korea, are also important.
“For these reasons, and to demonstrate continued Western support and dominance, it is crucial to transfer ATACMS to Ukraine”
The comments come just days after Putin met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, presumably to ask for weapons as Russia’s reserves run dry.
Following the provision of longer-range – and accurate – weapons to Ukraine, Kyiv has targeted Russian supply dumps in an attempt to starve Moscow’s forces of ammunition.
With the addition of ATACMS to Ukraine’s arsenal, Kyiv will be able to target Russia’s supply chain even more effectively, something which has the potential to be a game changer in the war.
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