In a major policy change, President Joe Biden has let Ukraine strike inside Russia with U.S.-provided long-range missiles, known as ATACMS. This decision comes as Ukrainian soldiers face increased pressure from a joint Russian and North Korean military attack in the Kursk region, located in western Russia.
A Fundamental Shift in American Policy
For the United States, which has earlier restricted Ukraine’s use of American-made weaponry inside its borders, the permission to use these modern missiles marks first. Targeting important Russian and North Korean military locations, equipment, and supply routes, the missiles—capable of striking targets about 190 miles away—are expected to support Ukraine in defending its forces.
Russia’s surprising deployment of North Korean soldiers, which escalated the crisis, affected the choice. This represents a turning point in the war as Ukraine keeps opposing Russian progress.
Ukraine’s Response
Although he hinted at its possible influence in a recent speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not specifically verified this fresh development. Emphasizing action above pronouncements, Zelensky remarked, “The rockets will speak for themselves.”
Ukraine has long demanded permission from the U.S. and its allies to use long-range missiles, believing that they are necessary for combating threats from Russian forces operating deep within Russian territory.
Escalating the Conflict
The move has stirred controversy among U.S. authorities. While some worry that it could encourage Russia to react against the U.S. and its allies, others think that the risk is worth taking to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. The missiles might be deployed to disrupt Russian and North Korean troop formations, as well as their logistical networks, potentially impeding their offensive in Kursk.
Biden’s decision follows other measures to lift limits on U.S. weapon usage by Ukraine, such as approving the use of HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) for strikes just across the border to defend Kharkiv earlier this year. However, the ATACMS missiles constitute a far higher escalation because to their enhanced range and capability.
Growing Global Tensions
The arrival of almost 10,000 North Korean forces has complicated the battlefield, pushing Ukraine to strain its already meager resources. Ukrainian forces intend to hold their positions in Kursk, since the fall of this territory might seriously harm their position in future peace negotiations.
Other Western allies, like Britain and France, have armed Ukraine with their own long-range missiles, such as Storm Shadow and SCALP, but have hesitant to allow their deployment on Russian soil without the U.S. leading the way. With Biden’s decision, Ukraine now has stronger backing to oppose the joint Russian-North Korean offensive.
Impact on the War
While U.S. officials believe the move may not substantially impact the war’s outcome, it sends a powerful message to both Russia and North Korea. For Ukraine, these missiles could be the difference between holding their ground and losing key territory. The U.S. thinks this show of cooperation will dissuade North Korea from deploying more troops to aid Russia.
At the same time, the U.S. intelligence agency has warned of potential Russian reprisal, including sabotage or assaults on U.S. and European military installations. Despite these risks, Biden felt forced to act, given the mounting threats.
Looking Ahead
This decision comes barely two months before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office. Trump has previously declared his aim to curtail U.S. support for Ukraine, leaving doubt about future help. For now, Ukraine is focusing on employing the ATACMS missiles to tackle the immediate dangers in Kursk, with hopes of leveraging any successes in future peace talks.
U.S. politicians remain divided on the decision. Some praise Biden for supporting Ukraine, while others blame him for waiting too long. As the crisis progresses, this move emphasizes the high stakes and the complicated geopolitical issues surrounding the conflict.