Ukraine has reportedly run out of its supply of long-range ATACMS missiles, which had been used in recent months to strike Russian targets deep behind the front lines.
The Associated Press, citing a U.S. official and a member of Ukraine’s parliamentary defense committee, confirmed that no ATACMS missiles remain in Ukraine’s arsenal as of late January.
The U.S. source revealed that fewer than 40 of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) were provided to Ukraine.
These missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers, had been used to target military infrastructure in the Russian regions of Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod, and Rostov.
Some of those strikes resulted in casualties and large-scale damage, including one that reportedly hit the command post of Russia’s Sever group in Kursk.
High-Impact Strikes, Limited Supply
The use of ATACMS marked a turning point in Ukraine’s ability to reach high-value military targets far from the battlefield.
Notably, strikes in November 2023 and January 2024 disrupted Russian military logistics and command centers.
However, Russia responded swiftly with retaliatory missile attacks, including a strike on Ukraine’s Luch design bureau, which manufactures missiles and munitions for the Ukrainian military.
The final known use of ATACMS by Ukraine occurred on January 17, when six missiles reportedly hit targets in Belgorod. Russia claimed its air defenses shot down all missiles, but reports indicated damage to civilian homes.
No casualties were reported at the time.
U.S. Aid Resumes—But Not Long-Range Missiles
After a tense diplomatic standoff between Washington and Kyiv, the Biden administration resumed military aid to Ukraine on March 11, following ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia. While the U.S. has since delivered fresh shipments of artillery shells, anti-tank weapons, and HIMARS-compatible ammunition, long-range missile systems like ATACMS have not been included.
The earlier suspension of U.S. military support was part of an effort to pressure Ukraine into considering peace talks. During the Saudi talks, Ukraine expressed willingness to pause hostilities for 30 days, contingent on Russia agreeing to the same. That ceasefire has not yet materialized.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory have largely continued using other Western-supplied systems, including Storm Shadow missiles provided by the UK and France. These air-launched cruise missiles, while effective, have a more limited deployment capability and range compared to ground-launched ATACMS.
The depletion of ATACMS is a setback for Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly as Russia continues its own attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and command centers.
Ukrainian officials have pushed for more long-range systems to counter Russia’s deep rear operations, but Washington has shown reluctance, citing concerns about escalation and the risk of strikes on Russian civilian areas.
