Ukraine’s military has secretly deployed long-range ballistic missiles supplied by the United States against Russian forces, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to a Wednesday report by the Associated Press (AP), citing U.S. officials, the weapons were used during a bombing on a Crimean airfield last week and an overnight strike against Russian targets in another occupied area of Ukraine. A U.S. official revealed that President Biden approved the delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine in early March. This deployment represents a major turning point in the war, as it significantly enhances Ukraine’s ability to strike targets deep within Russian-held territory. The missiles, which have a range of up to 190 miles (300 kilometers), give Ukraine the capability to hit high-value Russian military assets, including command centers, airfields, and ammunition depots. The deployment of these missiles comes as Ukraine has been pleading with its Western allies for heavier and longer-range weapons to counter the Russian invasion. The ATACMS missiles provide Ukraine with a significant advantage in the conflict, as they allow it to target Russian forces from a distance, reducing the risk to Ukrainian troops and civilians. The use of the missiles has reportedly been highly effective, with Ukrainian officials claiming that they have successfully struck several key Russian targets. The deployment of the missiles is a clear indication of the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. It is also a sign that the conflict is likely to continue for some time, as both sides seek to gain an advantage on the battlefield.