After the long struggle to allow the use of Western weapons on Russian territory, it now happened quite quickly. According to the Ukrainian armed forces, an explosive missile system has already been hit. ‘It burns wonderfully’, people in the attacked country rejoice about the military success.
Accordingly, a Russian S-300 missile system is said to have been involved, which allegedly fired repeatedly from Russia at the city of Kharkov.
Image shows alleged hit
“It burns wonderfully. It’s a Russian S-300. On Russian territory. “The first days after the authorization to use Western weapons on enemy territory,” Ukrainian government minister Iryna Vereshchuk posted on Facebook along with a photo purportedly showing the hit – the post has since been deleted.
It is still unclear exactly which weapon is responsible for the alleged destruction of the missile system – and it is also not yet known which country it came from. However, several Ukrainian military bloggers assume that this could be a HIMARS system.
The Russians are losing the security they thought they had
For months, Ukraine had literally begged Washington to attack targets on Russian territory – the main reason being the massive attacks on Kharkiv. Until now, the Russians had the certainty that they could attack from an almost safe distance. People also used their own national territory to retreat, regroup and station their weapons depots.
But now the signs have changed enormously. Under strong conditions, Western states have gradually relaxed their veto against such deployment by the Ukrainians. These may only take place in the Kharkiv area – and only with so-called GMLRS systems (Multiple Launch Rocket System), i.e. precisely guided surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 70 to 150 kilometers.
Western release “not necessarily a game changer”
Meanwhile, military analysts are tempering expectations about the release of Western weapons. Franz-Stefan Gady, Associate Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told US broadcaster CNN that the GMLRS’ cross-border attacks would allow Ukraine to “hit a number of Russian staging areas, command and control centers and supply depots. “This will not stop Russian military operations against Kharkiv, but it will make them more difficult.”
Mathieu Boulegue, a consultant at Chatham House in Britain, sees the policy change as “not necessarily a game changer”. Rather, it is “an add-on, a steroid, an additional incentive for Ukraine to defend itself,” he told CNN.
Putin warns “densely populated countries”
The fact that the Kremlin does not like the release at all is evident from the reaction of President Vladimir Putin himself. He immediately rattled the nuclear saber again to deter Ukraine from an attack and the West from arms supplies.
Just before US President Joe Biden gave the green light, he said the decision could have “serious consequences”, especially for “small and densely populated countries”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
