Russian Invasion of Ukraine Reaches 1,000 Days as Ukrainian Forces Deploy U.S.-Made Long-Range Missiles

November 19, 2024, marked the 1,000th day since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has reshaped geopolitics and caused unprecedented suffering. To mark the milestone, Ukraine’s military employed American-made long-range MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for the first time, signaling a significant escalation in its capabilities.

The Invasion and Its Impact

The invasion began on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces crossed into Ukraine in a massive assault. Dubbed a “special military operation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the invasion followed months of troop buildups near Ukraine’s borders. Putin claimed the operation aimed to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine, citing baseless accusations of persecution against Russian-speaking populations.

The conflict quickly escalated into the deadliest European war since World War II. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives, with millions of Ukrainians displaced internally or fleeing the country. Currently, Russian forces occupy about 20% of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Resistance and Global Support

Despite initial advances, Russian troops faced fierce resistance. Early setbacks, including their retreat from Kyiv’s outskirts in April 2022, demonstrated the resilience of Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has since launched multiple counteroffensives, regaining significant territory in the south and east. However, progress remains slow, and the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides.

Global condemnation of Russia’s actions has been overwhelming. Sanctions against Russia and Belarus, coupled with over $120 billion in foreign military aid to Ukraine, have shaped the conflict’s trajectory. The United States has been a key contributor, providing advanced weaponry, including the recently deployed ATACMS.

Deployment of ATACMS

The MGM-140 ATACMS represents a game-changer for Ukraine’s military. Designed by Lockheed Martin, these supersonic tactical ballistic missiles can strike targets up to 190 miles (300 km) away. Their compatibility with M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) adds flexibility to Ukraine’s arsenal.

By deploying ATACMS, Ukraine can target Russian positions and infrastructure deep within occupied territory, potentially altering the strategic balance. These long-range missiles underscore the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s armed forces, which have been described as “the most battle-hardened in Europe.”

The Road Ahead

As the war reaches its 1,000th day, both sides appear locked in a grueling stalemate. Ukraine’s reliance on Western support remains critical to its military efforts, while Russia faces mounting international isolation and internal challenges. The use of ATACMS and other advanced NATO-standard weaponry demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to modernize its forces, but it also raises concerns about further escalation.

For Ukraine, the deployment of long-range missiles could disrupt Russian supply lines, command centers, and critical infrastructure, potentially paving the way for more effective counteroffensives. However, these advancements also risk provoking Russia into harsher retaliation or further mobilization efforts.

The Human Cost

The prolonged conflict has left a deep scar on Ukraine and its people. Over 8 million refugees have fled the country, creating the largest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II. Civilians in occupied regions face dire conditions, including human rights abuses, forced deportations, and economic devastation. Allegations of war crimes, including genocide, have been leveled against Russia by international organizations, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for senior Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin.

Global Implications

The war has sent shockwaves across the globe, disrupting energy markets, worsening food insecurity, and straining international relations. Ukrainian grain exports, a key lifeline for many developing nations, have been repeatedly targeted by Russian blockades, exacerbating a global food crisis.

The use of ATACMS also highlights the role of technological advancements in modern warfare, as Ukraine increasingly relies on precision strikes and drone technology to counter Russian forces. This shift underscores a broader trend of hybrid warfare, combining conventional combat with cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and economic warfare.

What Lies Ahead?

As the war stretches into its third year, its outcome remains uncertain. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to continue fighting until all occupied territories are liberated, while Russia shows no signs of abandoning its objectives. Diplomatic solutions appear distant, with both sides deeply entrenched.

For the international community, the challenge lies in sustaining support for Ukraine without triggering a broader conflict. The deployment of ATACMS symbolizes the delicate balance between empowering Ukraine and avoiding an escalation that could involve NATO more directly.

As the 1,000th day of the war passes, the resilience of Ukraine and its people remains a beacon of hope, but the path to peace is fraught with uncertainty. For now, the world watches, waiting to see how this devastating conflict unfolds.

What does America think?

November 19, 2024