Russian Ambassador to the United States: The United States secretly provided ATACMS system to Ukraine is a "serious mistake"

China News Network, October 10 According to TASS local time on the 18th, a few days ago, Russian Ambassador to the United States Antonov said in a question from reporters that the United States' secret provision of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine is a "serious mistake" and will cause "extremely serious consequences."

Infographic: Russian Ambassador to the United States Antonov.

Antonov reportedly commented on the "secret supply of ATACMS by the US side to Ukraine" that the White House's decision to send long-range missiles to Ukraine was a "serious mistake", saying that "the consequences of this deliberate concealment of the public will be very serious." Washington has been pursuing a policy of weakening bilateral relations across the board. ”

"Russia has repeatedly warned the US government not to act recklessly, and the delivery of weapons to Ukraine is seriously undermining strategic and regional security," Antonov said. "He believes that the United States continues to push for a direct conflict between NATO and Russia."

US media reported in September that the United States will provide Ukraine with ATACMS with a longer range. According to US media, the maximum range of the system is about 9 kilometers, and it can hit targets at greater distances, including Russian supply lines, railways and command posts.

Infographic: In 2021, the US military test-fired an early version of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on October 10 that the United States began deliveries of ATACMS previously requested by Ukraine. "Thank you to everyone who helped us! Today I am especially grateful to the United States. Our agreement with President Biden is being implemented. ”

The Associated Press reported that the United States declined to discuss the delivery publicly, but officials familiar with the matter confirmed it. The arrival of ATACMS "gives Ukraine the critical ability to strike Russian targets farther away," the officials said.

The AP said that unlike the Biden administration's previous sending of American weapons to Ukraine, the delivery of ATACMS is highly classified. Previously, the United States would publicly announce its decision before almost all weapons and equipment were shipped overseas.