NEW DELHI: On Saturday, the Russian defense ministry announced that its weather defense troops had safely shot down and detonated four long-range US missiles over the Crimea island. These missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems ( ATACMS ), were recently sent by US to Ukraine.
Russian authorities made a report on Tuesday that Ukraine had launched an attack on Crimea with ATACMS weapons in an effort to breach Russian air threats over the conquered island. However, six of the rockets were intercepted properly.
Recent reports from a top US official in Washington revealed that Ukraine had been receiving long-range weapons in secret over the past several months.
The ATACMS missiles, which can travel up to 300 kilometers ( 190 miles ), were deployed for the first time during the early hours of April 17, according to an official quoted by media reports.
The missiles were reportedly fired at a Russian airfield in Crimea, which was about 165 kilometers ( 103 miles ) away from the Ukrainian front lines, as stated by the official.
The Pentagon first opposed the implementation of long-range missiles because it believed that the removal of the missiles from the US military would have a negative effect on readiness.
Ukraine was concerned that it might use the weapons to attack far-off in Russia, which could cause a strong conflict-to-conflict between Russia and the US.
In 2014, Russia gained power of Crimea from Ukraine. The Russian Black Sea Fleet is based on the island.
Moscow reacted strongly to the British Foreign Secretary’s promise to provide 3 billion pounds ($ 3.7 billion ) of annual military aid to Ukraine” as long as it takes,” adding that London had no objection to its weapons being used inside Russia.
( with input from agency )
