NATO’s devastating long-range missiles could strike Putin in heart of Moscow

The US has stopped short of increasing Ukraine’s freedom to strike deep into Russia as President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for “strong decisions.”
But were the request to be granted, Kyiv would have devastating technology at its disposal.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Kyiv’s capital to announced a series of aid packages to help repel Russia’s advance, while planning for the invaded nation’s reconstruction.
Since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has been permitted to use western provided missiles in a defensive capacity only, significantly limiting their freedom to maneuver on the battlefield.
Blinken said of the request that he would “take that discussion back to Washington to brief the President” after announcing $700 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
Here, Daily Express US takes a look at the weapons potentially at Zelensky’s disposal if the request is greenlighted.
Storm Shadow missilesare air-launched long range, conventionally armed, deep strike weapons that have been in service since 2003.
The missile which has a range of 350 miles and a top speed of 621mph, was used in the invasion of Iraq, against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya in 2011 and against ISIS in Syria.
The missile could prove to be a game changer in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
It would give them the flexibility to hit Russian targets in the rear area, particularly the logistical infrastructure that serves frontline troops.
The country is also keen to use US Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff (JASSM) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles in an offensive capacity.
Some versions of the JASSM precision missiles have a range of over 575 miles, which could, in theory, put Moscow within range of a Ukrainian strike.
Having entered service in 2009, the weapon was not employed by the US until 2018, when it was used to destroy government chemical facilities in the Syrian civil war.
Their use would bring over 30 Russian airbases into range, many of which have been used to launch strikes against Ukraine.
The green light to use the ATACMS missiles would allow Ukraine to target key Russian infrastructure and logistical supply routes vital to maintain their forces on the frontline and could potentially force Putin to move logisitical depots away from Ukraine.
The ATACMS has been in service for over 30 years and is used by several nations including Austraila, South Korea and Poland.
Both weapons have been in Ukrainian hands since
Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, has said Moscow will destroy any new deliveries of long-range missiles to Ukraine by the United States, according to Reuters.