US Authorizes Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles Inside Russia
The Biden administration has made a significant policy shift by allowing Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles to strike targets inside Russia. This decision comes with several key implications and motivations.
Previously, the US had refused to permit such strikes, fearing escalation of the conflict. The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, produced by Lockheed Martin, can travel up to 300km (186 miles) and are among the most powerful weapons provided to Ukraine.
The decision appears to be driven by multiple factors. The recent deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk border region has influenced the US stance. Additionally, with President Biden’s term ending and Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, there’s a sense of urgency to strengthen Ukraine’s military position.
Ukraine has long argued that restrictions on using these missiles were handicapping their defense efforts. They now expect to potentially target Russian military positions, infrastructure, and ammunition storage, particularly in the Kursk region where Ukrainian forces currently hold over 1,000 sq km of territory.
However, experts caution that the missiles may not be a game-changer. A Western diplomat noted that while the decision is symbolic and can raise the war’s cost for Russia, it likely won’t be decisive. There are also questions about the limited number of missiles available.
The authorization could have broader implications, potentially encouraging the UK and France to permit Ukraine’s use of similar Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against such actions, claiming they would represent direct NATO participation in the conflict. He previously stated that such moves would fundamentally change the war’s nature.
The timing is particularly sensitive given Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House. Trump has previously indicated he wants to end the war quickly, though without specifying how. Some of his allies, like Donald Trump Jr., have already criticized the missile authorization.
Within Trump’s potential administration, opinions vary. While some top officials advocate stopping military aid to Ukraine, others like National Security Adviser Michael Waltz suggest accelerating weapons deliveries to force negotiations.
Ukrainian officials are understandably anxious about the potential policy reversal. MP Oleksiy Goncharenko expressed hope that Trump will not rescind the missile authorization.
The ATACMS missiles could provide Ukraine with a psychological boost and potentially some tactical advantages. They might be used to defend against anticipated Russian and North Korean counter-offensives or to strike strategic targets like the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia.
While the missiles represent a significant symbolic and potentially strategic development, they are unlikely to dramatically alter the current military dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
