Ukraine's US-Donated ATACMS Missiles Exploit Russian Tactics, Destroy Key Assets

US-provided ATACMS missiles enable Ukraine to counteract Russia's strategy of dispersing its assets, with impacts on airfields and destroying three of Russia's S-400 Triumph air defense systems.

• The ATACMS missiles provided by the US are being used by Ukraine to strike major Russian assets at significant distances, overcoming Russia's strategy of spreading its key assets. The missile's cluster munitions hit multiple spread out targets, making each strike more effective.
• ATACMS has been used by Ukraine in attacks on two airfields in Russian-occupied territory, resulting in destroyed ammunition depots and helicopters as well as significant damage to the airfields.
• The cluster munitions of ATACMS enable Ukraine to counter Russia's adaptive strategy of further dispersing its assets, bringing a significant challenge to Russian commanders while stretching their logistics.
• Ukraine has reportedly destroyed three of Russia's prized S-400 Triumph air defense systems using ATACMS. Although Russia claims to have thwarted the attack, unverified footage shows what looks like substantial damage to the S-400 systems.
• Ukraine's strategic use of ATACMS has made key Russian assets, including their airfields and air defense systems, significantly more vulnerable, effectively changing the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine's favor.

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