ATACMS and Storm Shadow strikes on Russia: WSJ reveals what Ukraine's next target will be.

One of the most likely targets that Ukraine could strike with ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles is the southern Rostov region of Russia. There are at least four airports in the area, although some are civilian and thus not subject to attack. Rostov serves as a landing point for many Russian troops transported by large military aircraft, where they are equipped, loaded onto buses, and directed towards the occupied eastern Ukraine. The strike on this region could be devastating for Russia and disperse a crucial stronghold for the occupying forces.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Rostov region may be next in Ukraine's series of long-range missile strikes against Russia. Journalists explain that Russian airfields, ammunition depots, and training grounds are no longer safe as Ukraine chooses which targets to hit next. Hundreds of targets are now within range of the newly approved missiles, which possess greater power than the long-range drones previously used by Ukraine for strikes deep into Russian territory.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has mapped nearly 200 military targets within the reach of ATACMS (up to 190 miles) and Storm Shadow (up to 155 miles). This map reflects only a portion of the targets identifiable based on publicly available information, noted ISW analyst George Barros. Ukraine may also utilize intelligence data to strike command posts and other movable facilities.

"Destroying a brigade or division headquarters could cause panic among hundreds of Russian soldiers for days," Barros said.

Previously, Russian forces trained troops, repaired equipment, established communication centers, and laid logistical routes all within the reach of ATACMS and Storm Shadow while on their territory. While Ukraine had to maneuver to deliver equipment to its frontline units, Russia faced no such difficulties, which gave it an advantage on the battlefield.

In response to Ukraine's strikes this week, Russia launched a medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capability at the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro. This marked the first instance in the history of Russia's war against Ukraine.

It seems that Ukraine has not utilized ATACMS or Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory since then. Following the Russian strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the use of Western missiles is Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defense.

"Putin is lying when he says that our use of long-range weapons is supposedly a new step on our part. We have used this weapon before," he said.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have already employed these missiles in occupied territories, including Crimea, where they targeted ferries used by Russia to deliver supplies across the Kerch Strait to the occupied peninsula. They have also conducted several attacks on Russian air defense systems, striking launchers and radars.

The U.S. is leaning towards transferring JASSM, while Ukrainians are already launching Storm Shadow from upgraded Su-24s

Washington is close to a deal to transfer long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv, capable of striking deep into Russian territory. However, Ukrainians will have to wait several months as the U.S. resolves technical issues before the commencement of deliveries, American officials reported. Meanwhile, if the deal goes through, writes Reuters, 30 Russian airbases will fall within the strike zone.

Ukrainian bombers launched ten Storm Shadow cruise missiles at a target in Maryino, a town in the Kursk region, 25 miles from the border. The strike may have been carried out by a record number of five Ukrainian Su-24 bombers, each carrying two precision-guided missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force, with the help of foreign experts, has modernized many of its Soviet-era Su-24s to launch Storm Shadow and similar French SCALP-EG missiles.