In a bold retaliation against Russian aggression, the Ukrainian army launched a devastating attack on a Russian air base in Crimea using a consignment of weapons gifted by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. The attack, which took place on Tuesday night, saw the Ukrainian forces deploy the long-range M39 rockets, also known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), causing extensive damage to the Russian air base at Dzhankoy.

The Ukrainian army had received the $300-million arms package weeks earlier, and it included a limited number of M39 ATACMS rockets. Imagery from the ground confirmed that at least four launchers belonging to an S-400 surface-to-air missile battery were destroyed, along with the control center and four air-defense radars. However, the extent of damage to the aircraft stationed at the base remained unclear.

The video released by the Ukrainian defense ministry depicted multiple rockets streaking into the night sky, suggesting that the M270 launcher system was utilized for the attack. The use of these rockets showcased a rare opportunity for the larger M270s, with the Ukrainian military usually relying on the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

The Ukrainian army's use of the M39 rockets was a calculated move, considering the limited quantity of these munitions in the initial aid package. With the possibility of receiving more ATACMS rockets, as a result of Biden's proposal to spend $61 billion on weapons and aid for Ukraine, the Ukrainian forces may have decided that the damage inflicted on the Russian air base was worth utilizing all available rockets.

The eagerly anticipated vote on Biden's proposal, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to pass despite opposition from a minority of Russia-friendly Republicans. If approved, the bill would require the White House to send additional ATACMS rockets to Ukraine. As there are hundreds of these rockets in the U.S. inventory, it is likely that Ukraine will receive a significant supply to further bolster their military capabilities.

The attack on the Russian air base illustrates the Ukrainian military's resolve in defending their sovereignty against Russian incursions. With the potential influx of more ATACMS rockets, the Ukrainian army is poised to continue retaliating against Russian forces stationed within a hundred miles of the front line. As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, the international community closely monitors the developments in the region, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.