Russia may extend its military buffer zone in response to Ukraine acquiring advanced long-range U.S. missiles, according to the Kremlin.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
In response to Ukraine’s anticipated receipt of advanced longer-range ATACMS missile systems from the United States, the Kremlin announced on Wednesday that it would consider pushing Ukrainian forces further back to expand its buffer zone. This move comes as the White House prepares a new military aid package following Congress’s approval of a long-delayed aid bill, which is expected to include missiles capable of reaching up to 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed on Monday that Kyiv would be receiving the long-range missiles and expressed gratitude to Washington for the support. This development could potentially enable Ukrainian forces to target areas deeper within territory held by Russian forces, including the Russian-annexed region of Crimea.
The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), which are truck-mounted and capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3, surpass the capabilities of British and French cruise missiles currently in Ukraine’s arsenal. When queried about the implications of the advanced missile systems, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s established position on the necessity of a buffer zone to protect its annexed territories from Ukrainian strikes.
Last year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that any delivery of longer-range Western weapons to Kyiv would prompt Russian forces to push Ukrainian troops further from Russian borders. Moreover, U.S. officials indicated that while the delivery details might remain undisclosed, conditions would likely prevent Ukraine from using these missiles to strike targets within Russia proper.
The latest U.S. military aid package, valued at $1 billion, is the first to be drawn from the newly approved bill, emphasizing the ongoing international involvement and complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict.
