Kyiv is asking the US to authorize the use of ATACMS for strikes in Russia during the offensive in Kursk. This would help Ukraine hold territory and influence negotiations with Moscow.
From: Kyiv Post—The Ukrainian leadership has approached the US for permission to use ATACMS to target Russian territory after the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) conducted an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This could allow Kyiv to hold the territory they have pushed into, according to The Washington Post, citing an anonymous advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The long-range missiles are planned to be used to strike Russian military airfields from which Russian aircraft conduct bombing raids on Ukrainian positions. According to the source, such a political decision would help the AFU maintain control over parts of the Kursk Oblast.
“This will give them the leverage they need for negotiations with Russia – this is what it’s all about,” the advisor to Zelensky said.
The advisor reported that within three days of the operation in Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces captured approximately 100 square kilometers of territory and took hundreds of Russian soldiers prisoner. They also control the Sudzha gas measuring station used by Gazprom to supply fuel to Europe.
He noted that compared to previous raids – which were mainly carried out by volunteers, most of whom were Russians – Ukraine deployed significantly more troops this time.
According to Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, the offensive might involve about 1,000 soldiers from elite assault brigades equipped with Western armored vehicles and tanks. This indicates a substantial strengthening of forces. However, it’s important to consider that such operations may involve certain risks and require careful planning to achieve maximum effect.
Voice of Ukraine 