Kathmandu, Apr 25: Recent reports confirm that Ukraine has begun using long-range ballistic missiles supplied by the US in a covert operation aimed at countering Russian security forces. This revelation has been verified by US officials.

The weaponry forms a crucial part of a $300 million aid package that US President Joe Biden authorized for Ukraine last March, with deliveries commencing earlier this month.

Sources indicate that these missiles have already been deployed once to target Russian installations in Crimea. Biden has further greenlit a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine.

While the US had previously provided Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) medium-range weapons, it had refrained from supplying more potent armaments. However, recent developments suggest a shift in this stance, with Biden reportedly approving the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine as per a proposal floated in February. These missiles boast a striking range of 300 km.

US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel confirmed, “I can confirm that the US has provided long-range ATACMS to Ukraine at the direction of the President. The US has not released this information at Ukraine’s request.”

The exact quantity of weapons dispatched remains undisclosed. Nevertheless, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has hinted at Washington’s intentions to dispatch additional armaments to Ukraine.