The State Department disclosed that these missiles, capable of reaching up to 300 kilometers, were part of a broader military aid package and arrived in Ukraine in March.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan noted that "Ukraine will receive a significant number of these missiles." The delivery was directly ordered by President Joe Biden in response to heightened threats in the region, particularly after North Korea's ballistic missile support to Russia.
"The missiles are to be used exclusively on Ukrainian territory, including Crimea," Sullivan said. This directive aims to limit the operational scope to defensive measures within Ukraine's borders, amidst concerns about the potential for strikes deeper into Russian territory.
The Pentagon initially resisted the inclusion of these long-range missiles in Ukraine's arsenal, fearing it would deplete U.S. stocks and reduce military readiness. However, the decision was revised following Russia's intensified assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure and its use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets.
"The administration diligently worked behind the scenes to address these issues," Sullivan said, underscoring the efforts to balance the needs of U.S. defense with international commitments. "America is now able to send significant numbers of these missiles without concern for its own war readiness."
Reuters reported that the first use of these missiles took place on April 17 when Ukrainian forces targeted the Dzhankoy airport in northern Crimea, far behind the front lines. This marked a strategic expansion in Ukraine's military capabilities, allowing for precise strikes at critical distances.
(jh)
Source: PAP