Overview

• North Korea has criticized the United States for supplying Ukraine with long-range ballistic missiles known as ATACMS, saying that any strike on Russia with these missiles will impede peace initiatives.
• Ukraine has employed these US-supplied ATACMS missiles for the first time, inflicting significant damage on two airfields in Russian-occupied areas.
• Despite international concern and opposition, the US proceeded with its delivery of the ATACMS ground-to-ground missile system to Ukraine.
• Different versions of the ATACMS are capable of carrying cluster bomblets, with the ability to engage both singular and area high-value targets with precision fires at a distance of up to 300km.
• Amidst these developments, the White House recently accused North Korea of sending a shipment of weapons to Russia, raising concerns about an expanding military relationship between the two nations.
• According to UK intelligence, new US-provided ATACMS missiles used by Ukraine likely destroyed 14 Russian helicopters during strikes on two Russian airfields, which could significantly impact Russia's defensive and offensive capabilities in these locations.