US President Joe Biden has approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike targets within Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This decision comes as the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its 1,000th day, with the conflict having reached a potential stalemate.
Ukraine has previously possessed US ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) and similar long-range missiles from France and Britain, but Western allies had previously prohibited their use against Russian territory. Biden’s decision to lift this restriction represents a major shift in US policy, especially as he is set to leave office in two months.
The timing of this decision follows recent developments, including the arrival of over 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region to support President Vladimir Putin’s forces. Unconfirmed reports suggest North Korea may send up to 100,000 soldiers and additional weaponry to support Russia.
Russia has strongly condemned the move, with its foreign ministry warning of an “appropriate and tangible” response. The Russian government views the potential missile strikes as direct involvement of the United States in the conflict. Putin’s spokesman accused the US of “adding oil to the fire.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested there might be no formal announcement about the missiles, stating they will “speak for themselves.” There are indications that Ukraine might first use the ATACMS in the Kursk region, potentially as a strategic signal to both North Korea and Russia.
The US sees this decision as a way to demonstrate to Putin that he cannot win the war militarily. US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer emphasized that Washington would respond to the presence of North Korean forces and the escalation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Recent Russian attacks have been particularly intense, including strikes on Ukraine’s power grid that caused large-scale blackouts and resulted in civilian casualties. A strike on Odesa killed 10 people and injured nearly 50.
The development comes at a complex political moment, with President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House on January 20th. Trump has promised to end US involvement in foreign wars and has claimed he could end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours, though he has not provided specific details.
Zelensky has indicated he expects Trump to pressure both Ukraine and Russia to negotiate a peace deal within the next year. However, it remains unclear how Trump will approach the conflict and whether he will maintain the current US support for Ukraine.
The approval of long-range missiles represents a significant escalation that could potentially reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, with potential implications for international relations and the balance of power in the region.
