American officials confirmed that Ukraine used long-range missiles secretly supplied by Washington against Russian forces occupying the country.
It was noted that the weapons were part of the $300 million aid package approved by US President Joe Biden last month and were sent to Ukraine this month.
US media reported that the missiles were used at least once to hit Russian forces in Crimea.
The United States has previously sent medium-range tactical missile systems, but has been reluctant to send more powerful weapons, in part because of concerns about leaking information about U.S. military readiness.
However, it was stated that Biden gave the green light in February to send long-range missile systems with a range of 300 kilometers.
“I can confirm that, at the direct instruction of the President, the United States has supplied Ukraine with long-range missiles,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said.
Patel added that he had not previously made an announcement on this issue upon Ukraine’s request.
It is not known how many missiles were sent, but US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Washington plans to send more.
“They will make a difference, but as I have said before on this podium, they are not a silver bullet,” Sullivan said.
Reuters News Agency, citing a US official who wished to remain anonymous, reported that long-range missiles were used to hit Russian airports in Crimea for the first time.
The New York Times wrote that the missiles were also used against Russian troops in the occupied port city of Berdyansk.
Ukrainian forces have faced difficult times in recent months due to lack of ammunition and air defense systems. Officials said that the delay in military aid from the United States and other Western countries caused loss of life and land.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of people, mostly soldiers from both sides, have been killed or injured, and millions of people have been forced to flee their homes.
