In a significant military operation on February 24, Ukraine's Defense Forces employed U.S.-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles to target Russian command posts, ammunition depots, and logistics facilities in occupied regions. The General Staff of Ukraine reported that this operation aimed to diminish the offensive capabilities of the Russian forces actively engaged in the ongoing conflict. The strikes were executed by Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery, specifically targeting an auxiliary command post of Russia's 5th Army located near Novopetrivka in the Donetsk Oblast, an area under Russian control.

The use of ATACMS missiles marks a notable escalation in Ukraine's military strategy, as these ballistic missiles can travel up to 300 kilometers and require advanced launch systems such as the HIMARS. Ukraine had received initial supplies of these missiles in fall 2023, with upgraded models following in spring 2024. This advancement in weaponry signifies not just increased military capability but also enhanced tactical responses to Russian maneuvers. The Ukrainian command emphasizes that consistent operations to strike key facilities are essential for undermining the operational effectiveness of Russian forces in the region.

The implications of this strike extend beyond immediate tactical gains, as they symbolize Ukraine's ongoing efforts to assert its military independence while increasingly relying on Western military support. Such operations could lead to heightened retaliatory actions from Russia, potentially escalating the conflict further. The international community is likely to watch closely, given how these developments can influence the dynamics of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.