In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, intelligence from the United Kingdom suggests that Ukrainian strikes using U.S.-provided long-range missiles likely destroyed 14 Russian helicopters. The strikes, which targeted two Russian airfields in Luhansk and Berdyansk, were carried out earlier this week, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian forces utilized the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which arrived in the country earlier this month. While the extent of the damage is yet to be fully confirmed, the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) stated on Friday that it was likely that nine Russian military helicopters at Berdyansk and five at Luhansk were destroyed in the strikes.

The potential loss of these helicopters would deal a severe blow to Russia, as its defensive lines have become increasingly dependent on rotary wing air support, as noted in the MOD intelligence assessment. The UK further stated that if these losses are confirmed, it would highly likely impact Russia's ability to both defend and conduct future offensive activities in those two locations.

Ukrainian President Zelensky took to social media on Friday, expressing his satisfaction with the Russian losses. In a video posted online, he described the losses as "really impressive" and as the kind of losses that Ukraine needs to see from the occupier.

The ATACMS missiles are considered a potential game-changer for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, as they have the capability to hit targets that were previously considered out of reach. Some versions of the system can strike locations more than 100 miles away.

This missile delivery comes after Ukraine had been requesting the United States to provide them for months. However, the Biden administration hesitated due to concerns that Kyiv might use the weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, which would have escalated the conflict further. As a compromise, the United States reportedly provided Ukraine with a limited-range version of the ATACMS missiles.

So far, the Kremlin has not provided any official comment on the reported strikes involving the ATACMS missiles. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the U.S. delivery of the missiles to Ukraine as "another mistake by the United States." The situation continues to create tensions between the two nations and raises concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict.

As the situation unfolds, the impact of these strikes and the loss of Russian helicopters will undoubtedly have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The international community will be closely watching to see how Russia responds and whether this development leads to any further escalation in the region.