Russia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Labels Missile Shipment to Ukraine a “Grave Mistake”

Ambassador Anatoly Antonov conveyed his concerns via the Telegram messaging app, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He stated, “The consequences of this step, which was deliberately hidden from the public, will be of the most serious nature.”

The situation came to light following media reports indicating that the U.S. had covertly supplied Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in recent days. The White House later confirmed that they had indeed provided Ukraine with a variant of ATACMS capable of striking targets up to 165 kilometres (102 miles) away.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, corroborated the use of ATACMS by Ukrainian forces, with reports emerging that these missiles were deployed to strike two air bases located in territories currently controlled by Russia.

According to Ukrainian Special Forces, the strikes destroyed nine helicopters, an air defence missile launcher, runways, and other military equipment in locations near Luhansk in Ukraine’s east and Berdiansk in the south, adjacent to the Sea of Azov—both of which are under Russian control.

Ukraine had previously requested the ATACMS from the U.S. administration and had committed not to utilize them within Russia’s territory. Ukrainian authorities have asserted that these powerful weapons will significantly alter the course of the 20-month-old conflict initiated by Russia.

The exact impact of the missile system on the ongoing conflict remains to be seen, but Ukrainian officials have made it clear that they intend to compel Russia to relocate its key air assets further away from the front lines.

The Kremlin, in response, downplayed the significance of the U.S. supplying ATACMS missiles and Abrams tanks to Ukraine, asserting that it would not change the overall situation on the battlefield.

Ambassador Anatoly Antonov, in his remarks, accused Washington of pursuing a policy aimed at damaging bilateral relations and increasing the risk of a direct conflict between NATO and Russia. The shipment of these advanced weapons has further escalated the already tense situation between the two nations. The international community closely watches these developments as the conflict in Eastern Europe continues to evolve.