US to give Ukraine long-range missiles, reports say

  U.S. Plans to Provide Ukraine with Advanced Long-Range Missiles Amid Ongoing Conflict

Reports from American media suggest that the United States is preparing to supply Ukraine with advanced long-range missiles to support its ongoing counter-offensive against Russia. While there has been no official confirmation from either the U.S. or Ukraine, sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Ukraine is expected to receive long-range missiles with a range of up to 190 miles. These missiles would significantly enhance Ukraine's capabilities, allowing them to target Russian positions deep behind the front lines.

The news comes as the Ukrainian military claims to have struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea naval fleet in occupied Crimea. Using Storm Shadow cruise missiles supplied by Britain and France, the attack caused extensive damage to the building in Sevastopol, and black smoke continued to rise from the area hours after the strike. Russia's Ministry of Defense reported that one serviceman was missing in the aftermath of the attack.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently concluded a week-long visit to the U.S. and Canada, during which he appealed to lawmakers for further support in the ongoing conflict. Canada pledged nearly $500 million in aid to Ukraine, including 50 armored vehicles, as well as training for F-16 pilots and engineers. This aid package complements the $325 million announced by the U.S. during President Zelensky's visit to Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

We spoke to Peter Zelmaev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, to gain insights into these developments. He highlighted the significance of the long-range missiles for Ukraine, emphasizing that they have been a long-awaited addition to Ukraine's arsenal. These missiles have the potential to disrupt Russian supply lines and infrastructure, particularly in Crimea, where Ukraine has already made significant strides in neutralizing the Russian Black Sea Fleet.

Addressing the claims of striking the Russian naval fleet headquarters, Zelmaev noted that this operation was part of Ukraine's broader strategy to target Russian logistics, fuel, and maintenance centers. It is seen as an effort to disrupt Russian supply lines critical to their military operations.

In response to concerns about the counter-offensive's progress, Zelmaev cautioned against the assumption that Ukraine's offensive would be paused as the weather deteriorates. He emphasized Ukraine's determination to continue its efforts throughout the winter and into the spring, dispelling the notion of an imminent ceasefire.

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with ongoing developments crucially impacting the trajectory of the conflict and international responses to it.