Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,035 – Al Jazeera”>Ukraine‘s Rocket Supplies Wane as Allies Hold Back on New Deliveries
Mid-November saw a significant milestone when Ukraine received approval to use Western missiles, namely the ATACMS, for strikes on Russian territory. After an initial frenzy of usage, Ukraine’s rocket attacks on Russia have noticeably dwindled, reports The New York Times.
High-ranking NATO officials credit the ATACMS for effectively targeting Russian ammunition depots and weapons factories, forcing Russia to relocate many critical assets away from the frontline. Admiral Rob Bauer, NATO’s top military officer, acknowledging the missiles’ impact, warned that while they’ve restricted Russia’s combat capabilities, victory is still uncertain.
However, the reduced pace of rocket attacks is not due to a lack of targets, but a shortage of missiles. When Ukraine obtained the green light to strike Russia, its ATACMS stockpile was likely down to around 50. American officials hinted that no more supplies were forthcoming, as remaining stocks were earmarked for other regions. Similarly, Britain, which allowed Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missiles, indicated it had no more to offer.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Russia and Russian military bloggers (sources to be taken with caution), Ukraine launched at least six rocket strikes on Russian territory, using a combined total of 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles. The most devastating attack, a Storm Shadow strike on a Russian command bunker near Marino, Kursk, occurred on November 20.
Russia responded on November 21 with a "demonstrative" strike on Dnipro using the "Oryol" missile, and on November 27, Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov phoned Washington to discuss "escalation risks." After this call, Ukraine refrained from launching ATACMS or Storm Shadow missiles for two weeks.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s reduction in rocket attacks results from prioritizing target selection, saving the remaining missiles for high-value objectives. As the war in Ukraine continues, the world watches for further developments.
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UNIAN reports that Russian occupiers are attempting to land on one of the largest islands in the Dnieper’s mouth, Kazak, and secure a foothold on the right bank to intensify attacks on Ukrainian forces.
In another grim report, a HIMARS strike "decimated" a Russian field command meeting, killing three captain-ranking officers and destroying at least five enemy vehicles.
