Putin says ATACMS long-range missiles are of no use to Ukraine

Mr Putin told reporters at a news conference in Beijing that supplying long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine was a “mistake” for the US. “War is war, and of course… they pose a threat, that goes without saying. But most importantly, this will not significantly change the situation,” Mr Putin said.

Mr. Putin said the name of the atacms missile is not helpful for Ukraine, picture 1 — Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFP

Mr Putin said the decision to supply the missiles was “another American mistake. It will only prolong the pain”.

The White House confirmed on Tuesday that it had provided Ukraine with the long-range weapon it requested to strike deep into Russian-held territory. According to US media, the ATACMS has a maximum range of about 160 kilometers.

Russian officials on Tuesday accused Ukraine of using US-supplied missiles to attack Berdyansk, a Russian-controlled port city in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had used long-range missiles, but did not provide details about how and when they were deployed.

On Wednesday, Mr Zelenskyy posted on X that he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron “about further steps to strengthen Ukraine’s air, long-range and naval defence capabilities”.

Russia said on Wednesday it had shot down two Ukrainian missiles aimed at Crimea. The Russian Defense Ministry said the missile debris fell in a deserted area and there were no injuries or casualties.

Mai Anh (according to AFP, CNA)

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