We need ATACMS tactical missiles: an interview with General Romanenko

Does Ukraine have enough Western weapons to effectively repel the attacks of the Russian Federation and launch a counteroffensive? What is missing for the liberation of the territories? Where can we expect the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine?

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2006-2010), Lieutenant General of the Reserve Igor Romanenko, spoke about this on the air of the marathon “Ukraine Speaks” on the Dom and UA TV channels.

The General explained how effective Himars are in use:

“HIMARS is a multiple launch rocket system that currently fires shells, rather than long-range missiles. Through the use of this system, we broke the enemy’s logistical routes.

Himars shells can hit 80 km away targets so far.

We are asking to provide us with ATACMS tactical missiles for Himars now. It has the ability to fire at a distance of up to 300 km.”

He commented on the counter-offensive tactics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kherson direction:

“I would not qualify this as a counter-offensive in the Kherson area. There were counterattacks and offensive actions. It is necessary preparation for a future counteroffensive operation. However, it hasn’t started yet.

We improved the situation there and liberated part of the territories. Despite this, this is not the scale, and not the solutions of the issue in this direction. In the last few days, 7 settlements have been liberated there. Yes, the offensive was expected in this direction. Nevertheless, Russian troops have brought here quite a lot of reserves of manpower and technical equipment. That`s why, we will need to carry out defensive actions.”

Romanenko predicted the possible future tactics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at this stage of the war:

“First of all, we need to destroy their forces, which will advance. If we will have reserves after that, we move on to counteroffensive actions. First – in the Kherson direction, then – the Donetsk direction and Kharkov.”

Read also: Russians failing to launch an offensive in Donetsk region, – Luhansk governor Haidai