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What did Russia say about ATACMS missiles?
Summary
A look back at the Russian reaction to US long-range missile deliveries and the strikes on Ukrainian cities in the days before 20 October 2023.
What did the arrival of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine mean for Moscow's rhetoric? By 20 October 2023, the answer had already taken shape in public statements.
On 18 October 2023, Russia said the US decision to supply Ukraine with long-range ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles was a "grave mistake" that would have serious consequences. Ukrainian forces had used the missiles in combat for the first time the day before, on 17 October.
The same day, Russian missile strikes hit locations across Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, at least 10 people were killed, among them five civilians who died when an apartment building in Zaporizhzhia was struck.
The two developments sat side by side: a new Western-supplied capability in Ukrainian hands, and a Russian warning of consequences, alongside continued missile attacks that Ukrainian officials said claimed civilian lives.
