Military expert Valeriy Riabykh, Director of Development at the media and consulting company Defense Express, outlined Ukraine’s alternatives to ATACMS missiles.
He shared this on Espreso TV.
Read more: It Became Known How Many Neptune Missiles Used by Ukrainian Military to Hit russian’s Military Targets in 2024
"During turbulent times, many reports emerge citing unspecified sources. A figure of 40 ATACMS missiles has been mentioned - have they run out? Possibly. Is this a problem? I’d say it’s actually a positive signal. First, it sends a message to russia, especially amid Witkoff’s visit: 'They’re gone now, but what happens next depends on you.' For Ukraine, this means that as we develop our own capabilities, existing restrictions only free our hands - especially if U.S. efforts fail to achieve their intended goals," he stated.
Riabykh stressed that Ukraine’s key objective remains countering aggression, weakening russia’s military capabilities, and creating conditions to achieve its strategic goals. According to him, Ukraine now possesses a far more diverse arsenal than before.
"In the past, our options were extremely limited - primarily the Neptune missile and Soviet-era Tochka missiles. Now, Ukraine has an expanding range of strike drones with varying operational ranges, some reaching up to 2,000 kilometers. Additionally, we have so-called 'missile drones' - small cruise missiles with different configurations tailored for specific targets. This includes both classic fixed-wing UAVs with rotary engines and jet-powered UAVs, unlocking entirely new possibilities," the expert explained.
He highlighted Ukraine’s rapid technological advancements in weaponry.
"Consider the Trembita missile, recently showcased at the Defense Innovation Forum in Kyiv. While conceptually similar to Germany’s V-1 from the 1940s, it marks a new technological stage. This system enables rapid scaling and comes at a low cost - each basic missile costs just a few thousand dollars. All of this demonstrates Ukraine’s growing technological capabilities. Despite challenges, we have significant achievements. Even under current conditions, Ukraine remains an independent force and is emerging as a regional player. More importantly, Europe has now recognized Ukraine’s strategic significance," Riabykh concluded.
Read more: Ukrainian Trembita Cruise Missile Worth $4,000 Presented in Kyiv
