Russia has strongly condemned the United States’ covert delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has labeled the missiles as “extremely dangerous weapons” that will not alter the conflict’s trajectory.
According to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden approved the provision of a “significant” number of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in February. The missiles, with a range of 300km, were reportedly transferred discreetly to maintain operational secrecy.
Antonov denounced the missile delivery as “unjustifiable,” claiming it poses a threat to Crimea, the annexed regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye, and other Russian cities. He dismissed US assurances that the missiles will not be used against Russian territory as “cynical,” citing previous terrorist attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Antonov asserted that Russian forces have successfully intercepted mid-range ATACMS missiles received by Ukraine in September and will do the same with the long-range versions. He emphasized that “neither these missiles nor other weapons can help defeat Russia.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Washington’s acknowledgment of the missile delivery while simultaneously attempting to deceive the international community into a conference based on President Zelensky’s “formula.” She accused the US of seeking to legitimize Zelensky’s terrorist capabilities under the guise of peaceful intentions.
Switzerland has announced that it will host a peace conference on Ukraine in June without Russia’s participation. Zelensky’s proposed plan, rejected by Russia, calls for Russia’s withdrawal from all Ukrainian territory, reparations, and the establishment of a war crimes tribunal.
