The United States is poised to initiate the transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine pending approval of a military aid package by the White House, according to U.S. Senator Mark Warner in an interview published by CBS News.

The M57A1 Army Tactical Missile System missile is fired over the cab of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher. (U.S. Army photo)

Following approval of a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine by the House of Representatives on April 20th, the Senate is expected to move the bill forward, after which U.S. President Joe Biden will enact it into law.

Warner, a Democrat, indicated that shipments containing long-range missile systems could be prepared for transit within a matter of days.

The U.S. previously supplied ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in October 2023, after a period of deliberation.

However, the initial package consisted solely of older models with a range of 165 kilometers. The newer variants, boasting a maximum range of approximately 300 kilometers, have yet to be furnished to Ukraine.

Reports from late February, as relayed by NBC News, suggested that the White House is prepared to provide Kyiv with extended-range ATACMS missile variants pending congressional approval of additional funding.

Warner affirmed that the ATACMS are included in the new aid package and are ready for shipment.

The long-awaited approval of supplementary U.S. military assistance coincides with Ukraine confronting worsening battlefield conditions and acute shortages of air defence systems and artillery.

Warner commended the Ukrainian military for its accomplishments in the face of these challenges and underscored the value of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Long-range missile systems have long been a priority for Kyiv, although certain Western governments have hesitated to provide such weapons due to concerns about escalation with Russia.

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