Ukraine’s ATACMS Stock Depleted
Ukrainian forces are facing a critical shortage of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) supplied by the United States, which have played a vital role in executing long-range strikes against Russian positions. According to a recent report from the Associated Press, quoting unnamed officials from both the U.S. and Ukraine, it has been revealed that the number of ATACMS delivered from Washington since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 has been fewer than 40.
The ATACMS have primarily been used by Ukraine to target key aspects of Russian military infrastructure, including command centers, ammunition depots, and air defense systems. Unfortunately, sources indicated that Kyiv’s supplies of the missiles ran out as early as January, intensifying concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense strategy. The situation has been exacerbated by restrictions on military aid imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Concerns Over Weapon Utilization
In addition to the challenges in replenishing missile stockpiles, the Ukrainian military has recently faced scrutiny regarding the use of advanced weaponry donated by Western allies. Reports from British defense officials have highlighted incidents where Ukrainian forces mismanaged the Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, treating it as a standard grenade launcher instead of using it as intended for precision strikes.
Moreover, there have been concerns raised about indiscriminate firing of other Western-supplied weapons against Russian positions, diminishing the expected strategic impact. As speculation mounts that Ukraine may run low on ATACMS missiles by the end of 2024, analysts are urging Kyiv’s military to utilize its remaining resources more judiciously, focusing on selective and strategic deployments.
Impact of U.S. Military Aid Cuts
The halting of U.S. military aid and critical intelligence sharing with Ukraine earlier this year has created an additional layer of complexity in the ongoing conflict. This decision by President Trump followed a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, centering around disputes over a controversial minerals deal and the broader context of the three-year-long war.
In an effort to regain support, Zelensky has recently backed a proposed 30-day ceasefire as suggested by the U.S., which saw Washington resume its provision of essential supplies. However, the question of whether the U.S. will supply more ATACMS to Ukraine remains uncertain, with defense leaders asserting that a limited number of missiles would be delivered in favor of prioritizing other weapons deemed more crucial for the conflict.
