ATACMS supplies to Ukraine can protect its critical infrastructure – Vershbow

This opinion was expressed by Alexander Vershbow, former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, ex-US Ambassador to Russia, told Ukrinform in an exclusive comment during the Ukraine in Washington & Beyond event.

"I think now is the time for the United States to review some decisions on the provision of certain types of weapons to Ukraine which could limit Russia's ability to use territories close to the contact line, including Crimea, to strike infrastructure without fear of retaliation,"

He noted he primarily means ATACMS missiles which will be able to hit Russia’s firepower used to strike energy infrastructure facilities across Ukraine. Vershbow also emphasized that the West should help Ukraine keep the initiative, as well as continue pressing on Russia, so as not to allow its troops to take a break, restore their strength, and rearm.

According to him, despite the widespread expert opinion that winter usually creates a certain pause in hostilities, this cannot be allowed in the current situation in Ukraine.

"Maintaining military pressure [on Russia] with victory as a clear goal cannot be something vague. The goal must be the victory of Ukraine," the former Deputy Secretary General of NATO emphasized.

He also expressed the opinion that the USA and other countries are simultaneously considering new sanctions on Russia against the background of its barbaric attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.

Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of up to 300 km.

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