The “Iron Doll of Putin TV,” Olga Skabeyeva, known for her unwavering support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed panic over the United States’ decision to deliver long-range missiles to Ukraine. The U.S. announced the shipment of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in February, with a larger delivery expected soon, following a $61 billion aid package approval by Congress. Skabeyeva warned that the U.S. missiles could potentially target Russian territories, including settlements like Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, and Rostov-on-Don, as well as areas in Ukraine that Russia claims as its own, such as Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. She speculated that all weapons included in the aid package had already been delivered to Ukraine, despite official deliveries beginning after Biden signed the aid into law.
Ukraine has been using a shorter-range cluster variant of the ATACMS since October 2023, causing damage to Russian military bases and helicopters in strikes on Russia-occupied areas of Ukraine. The newer shipments of long-range missiles, launched using U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), have the capacity to target locations up to approximately 186 miles away. Admiral Christopher Grady, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the long-range missiles would be used by Ukraine to strike Russian targets away from the front lines, describing the decision to send the weapons as well-considered. The Kremlin responded by suggesting that the shipments of long-range ATACMS would compel Russia to establish a larger “buffer zone” by pushing Ukrainian forces further back.
Skabeyeva’s concerns mounted as she emphasized the potential threat posed by the U.S. missiles, pointing to the range capabilities that could reach various locations in Russia and disputed territories in Ukraine. She questioned the timing of the aid deliveries and suggested that all the weapons from the military aid package were already in the possession of Ukraine’s forces. Skabeyeva’s reaction was part of a broadcast on the Russia-1 program 60 Minutes, where she raised alarm about the vulnerability of Russian territories in light of the U.S. missile shipments. The Russian military has not commented on the situation, but Skabeyeva’s apprehension reflects the growing tensions surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the region.
The international community has been monitoring the escalation of military aid to Ukraine, with the U.S. decision to supply long-range missiles being a significant development. The strategic use of the ATACMS by Ukrainian forces, coupled with the support of HIMARS systems, showcases a shift in the balance of power in the conflict. The ability of Ukraine to target Russian positions with precision from a distance raises concerns about potential escalations and the impact on regional stability. As both sides continue to maneuver and strategize, the delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine has intensified the ongoing conflict and raised questions about the broader implications for the region and beyond. The effectiveness of the U.S. military aid and the response from Russia will shape the dynamics of the conflict moving forward.
