Putin Slams U.S. Delivery of ATACMS Missiles to Ukraine as a ‘Dangerous Error’

Putin Calls U.S. ATACMS Missiles to Ukraine a ‘Mistake’

October 18, 2023

Background

In a press conference in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his disapproval of the United States’ decision to supply ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine. He referred to this act as a “mistake” that would not significantly alter the situation on the battlefield. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine confirmed that Ukrainian forces had used the U.S. Army’s M39 Army Tactical Missile System, although the United States had not made a public announcement about the deliveries to Kyiv.

Claims and Counterclaims

Russian pro-war military bloggers have alleged that ATACMS missiles were used to strike Russian-controlled airfields in southeastern Ukraine. However, a spokesperson from the U.S. National Security Council later clarified that Ukraine had been supplied with a type of ATACMS missile with a range of 165 kilometers (102 miles), not the full range of 300 kilometers (186 miles). Despite the reduced range, Putin still expressed concern, stating that the missiles would lead to unnecessary casualties and further prolong the suffering of Ukraine, which has been defending against Russia’s invasion for the past 20 months.

Putin‘s Critique

While Putin acknowledged the additional threat posed by the U.S.-supplied missile systems, he questioned why the United States would provide Ukraine with these weapons if the war in Ukraine had already been lost. He called on U.S. President Joe Biden to travel to Moscow for talks and claimed to see signs of the Ukrainian leadership’s readiness for negotiations. Putin emphasized that the ATACMS missiles would not be able to change the situation on the line of contact, but he acknowledged that they were damaging and posed an additional danger.

Editorial: The True Implications

Putin‘s response to the U.S. supply of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. While he downplays the significance of the missiles, it is evident that he perceives them as a threat to Russia’s interests in the conflict. By warning of unnecessary casualties and prolonging Ukraine‘s agony, Putin is attempting to portray the United States as the aggressor and position himself as a reasonable negotiator.

However, it is important to critically examine Putin‘s statements. While he claims that the war in Ukraine has been lost, the continued presence of Russian forces, the hostile actions against Ukraine, and the ongoing suffering of the Ukrainian people suggest otherwise. Putin‘s call for Biden to visit Moscow for talks could be seen as an attempt to gain a strategic advantage by dictating the terms and venue of negotiations.

The supply of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine raises questions about the potential escalation of the conflict and the role of external actors. It is essential to consider the implications of such actions on regional stability and the lives of Ukrainian civilians caught in the crossfire.

Advice: The Path to Peace

The situation in Ukraine requires careful diplomatic navigation and a commitment to a peaceful resolution. Instead of engaging in a blame game or escalating tensions, all involved parties must prioritize negotiations and seek mutually agreeable solutions.

The United States should engage with Russia diplomatically and address Putin‘s concerns in a transparent manner. By openly discussing the motivations behind the supply of ATACMS missiles and emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire, the United States can establish trust and pave the way for productive discussions.

Similarly, Ukraine should communicate its intentions clearly and constructively engage with Russia in order to restore peace and stability. It should seek to build a coalition of international support to exert diplomatic pressure on Russia and encourage dialogue.

The international community, including European nations and organizations such as the United Nations, should play an active role in facilitating negotiations and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. By collectively advocating for peace and condemning any further aggression, these actors can support Ukraine‘s sovereignty and work towards a lasting resolution.

In conclusion, it is crucial to approach the supply of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine and Putin‘s response with a nuanced understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. By prioritizing diplomatic efforts and pursuing peaceful negotiations, there is hope for a resolution that respects Ukraine‘s sovereignty and ensures the wellbeing of its people.