U.S. and U.K. Missiles Change the Game: Ukraine Hits Russian Bases, Delays War Machine

The Ukrainian military’s ability to target approximately 200 military objectives within Russia using missiles provided by the U.S. and the U.K. may weaken Russia’s warfighting capabilities, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Sunday.

According to the WSJ, citing the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington, D.C., the U.S.-made ATACMS surface-to-surface ballistic missile, and the U.K.-made Storm Shadow air-to-surface cruise missile has a maximum range of 190 miles (306 kilometers) and 155 miles (250 kilometers), respectively.

The WSJ emphasized that the 200-target estimate is based solely on open-source information, suggesting Ukraine could potentially strike additional Russian command centers or mobile facilities using intelligence from its agencies.

Precision Strikes on Key Russian Assets

On the morning of November 19, shortly after receiving permission from the Biden administration to use the missiles, the Ukrainian military fired six ATACMS missiles, destroying an ammunition depot in Bryansk, about 75 miles (121 kilometers) from the border. The following morning, 10 Storm Shadow missiles struck a temporary Russian military headquarters in the village of Marino, 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the front lines in the Kursk region.

In response, on November 21, the Russian military launched an attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro using its latest hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik.

The WSJ analysis suggested that Ukraine’s access to these more powerful missiles, compared to the long-range drones previously used for deep strikes, puts hundreds of Russian military targets at risk, including airfields, ammo dumps, training grounds, communication centers, and supply routes.

Broader Strategic Implications

Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike deep into Russian territory is delaying Moscow’s efforts to sustain its war machine. These precision strikes disrupt the timely delivery of reinforcements, supplies, and munitions to the front lines, putting significant pressure on Russian military operations.

Among potential targets within range of these missiles is Rostov Oblast, a critical logistics hub in southern Russia. Its airports, which facilitate the transfer of troops and equipment via large military aircraft, play a vital role in reinforcing Russia’s eastern front. Non-civilian airports in this region are likely to face increasing risks as they fall within the ATACMS and Storm Shadow range.

The WSJ emphasized that the effectiveness of these weapons hinges on Ukraine’s arsenal size and strategic deployment. The U.S. and U.K. initially delayed permitting Ukraine to use these missiles despite Kyiv’s repeated requests starting in the spring of 2024. This delay gave Russia time to relocate high-value assets such as planes and helicopters beyond missile range.

However, this defensive adjustment has introduced significant logistical challenges for Russia. Relocating equipment farther from the front lines has increased transport times, slowed deployment, and reduced vehicle operational efficiency due to fuel constraints.

Military experts note that these logistical burdens play a role in Ukraine’s advantage. Extended supply lines and increased transport times make it more difficult for Russia to consistently support its front-line troops. Each delay in reinforcement or resupply further strains Moscow’s ability to sustain operations.

The deployment of ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles has shifted the dynamics of the conflict, enabling Ukraine to disrupt Russian logistics and degrade its warfighting capacity. As these strikes continue, they may exacerbate operational challenges for Russian forces, tilting the battlefield dynamics further in Ukraine’s favor.