Even hundred ATACMS could severely disrupt Russian supply lines - military expert Zgurets

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"The information regarding ATACMS is highly promising and has been emphasized repeatedly. The number of these missiles we need is certainly measured in more than a hundred. It is also interesting that President Zelenskyy had a conversation in the United States with the former British Prime Minister, and they talked about Ukraine's need for at least 200 ATACMS missiles," the military expert said.

Serhiy Zgurets explained that Ukraine will need these weapons because they cover those parts of the front and Russia’s efforts to defend against HIMARS with a range of 80 km.

"In my opinion, even a hundred ATACMS at the first stage will have a significant impact on the stability of Russian supply and the ability to support the command of enemy troops. Given that strikes on enemy command posts with ATACMS will be implemented quickly enough. The critical aspect here is the initial delivery, with potential for subsequent increases. Currently, the U.S. is shifting its focus toward more advanced systems and weaponry, but over 4,000 ATACMS missiles have been manufactured, including cluster munition variants. Our Armed Forces would benefit from both medium and long-range cluster missile versions," emphasized Zgurets.

Supply of ATACMS to Ukraine: details

On April 19, the United States announced another USD 325 million military aid package to Ukraine, which included HIMARS and artillery shells.

At the end of May, representatives of the US Congress called on Biden to send the missiles to Ukraine. In a letter addressed to the US President, the leaders of the bipartisan Helsinki Commission called on the White House to authorize the delivery of the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine.

On June 10, members of both parties in the US House of Representatives introduced a resolution calling on Joe Biden to send ATACMS to Ukraine.

On June 21, the House Foreign Affairs Committee supported a resolution to Biden calling for the immediate delivery of ATACMS to Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is close to making a decision to provide Ukraine with long-range tactical missile systems ATACMS.

The WP reported that the US does not have enough ATACMS missiles to provide them to Ukraine. 

On September 9, it was reported that the United States may provide missiles to Ukraine in the next aid package.

On September 12, media reported that the Biden administration was close to approving the supply of longer-range missiles to Ukraine, which are immediately equipped with cluster munitions.

On September 15, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukraine is close to receiving ATACMS missiles from the United States this fall.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Ukrainian military would use the American missiles as they see fit.

On September 22, during talks, US President Joe Biden assured Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine would receive a limited small number of ATACMS missiles.