Why is it Important that ATACMS be used inside Russia?

*note. Still trying to get a good read on this but ATACMs may not be authorized for use in Russia, only the M31 variant.

Russia has previously been able to launch strikes from its own territory with impunity. By allowing Ukraine to attack inside Russia, the US creates a dilemma for Russian missile systems. Stay and be destroyed or move and lose coverage.

[RyanMcBethProgramming]

*note. Still trying to get a good read on this but ATACMs may not be authorized for use in Russia, only the M31 variant.

Russia has previously been able to launch strikes from its own territory with impunity. By allowing Ukraine to attack inside Russia, the US creates a dilemma for Russian missile systems. Stay and be destroyed or move and lose coverage.

[ornsharkfin]

Incoming Russian "They can't do that, it's illegal!"

[seankstafford]

Seems only fair. Russia uses chinese, iranian and north korean arms inside the Ukraine

[sensei]

This should've been allowed since Day 1 ngl

[fredbyoutubing]

It's about time. Now we can look at the bots having a meltdown in comment sections.

[Krieger]

Could be really bad for Russia as they have created logistic hubs and storages close to the border on their territory. With the assumption that these would not be targeted.

[xealit]

"make them move their logistics" - exactly. The Ukrainian territory where the war unfolds is relatively cumbersome for Russia to supply. But the territory around Kharkiv, on the other hand, is full of highways and railways. To let them just sit there and attack is ridiculous.

[Audacity_]

Bombs win battles. Logistics wins wars.

[curlystoogemire]

Now this is the part where we put up a lawn chair and watch the Ukrainian desire for freedom do its thing

[easyy]

Also, I believe we only authorized them to use the missiles in certain parts of Russia. I don’t think they can just shoot it anywhere.

[GrimReefer]

Germany has greenlit the use of German weapons inside russia too

[onerimeuse]

This should have been allowed a year ago. We should have sent the Ata ms sooner. But I guess that matters is that it's done. Honestly, I'm surprised Russia didn't use this "I'm not touching you" strategy sooner. Maybe they knew this would force the issue of allowing Ukraine to use the west's weapons across the border? Like, Russia has been firing from there forever, but they haven't attempted troop buildups and attacks until now.

[derrenwongsodiharjo]

Well shit...., Russia better start moving now.

[dust]

I wish this decision could have been made quietly so that Ukraine could take advantage of surprise.

[KFTunes]

Great reporting as usual Ryan - I especially love your high tech S-400 system graphic!

[jasonschlegel]

I believe this is long overdue. Thank you for sharing.

[alexc]

Also, stuff on the move is easier to spot and localise than well hidden static stuff. Maybe not so much of an advantage in the modern drone and radar envelope but not negligible either.

[rorysmith]

This is a big move by Ukraine and the USA.

[jimrubin]

Now, if only the powers that be relaxed the entire criteria, giving Ukraine the ability to do this wherever it’s needed, but my understanding is that the Administration is only giving this strike-back permission for the fighting at Kharkiv.

[guydreamr]

Time for Mordor to get a taste of its own medicine.