In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Joe Biden has approved the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine to target Russian positions. This decision could have major implications for the ongoing conflict.
This development comes after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly urged for the restrictions on these missiles, known as ATACMS, to be lifted, enabling Ukraine to strike at targets beyond its borders.
Responding to reports of Biden’s approval, Zelensky remarked, “such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves.”
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned Western nations that such an action would signify a direct involvement of the NATO military alliance in the conflict.
While Putin has yet to respond directly to these reports, other senior officials in Russia have characterized the move as a serious escalation.
The Biden administration’s decision appears primarily focused on supporting Ukrainian forces operating in Russia’s Kursk region, an area targeted during Ukraine’s unexpected incursion earlier this year.
This support signals that the U.S. is committed to aiding Ukraine in maintaining control over territories it occupies, which may serve as leverage in any future negotiations.
Serhiy Kuzan, the chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, emphasized that Biden’s decision is “very important” for Ukraine. He noted that while it may not entirely alter the war’s trajectory, it will help balance the forces on the ground.
Reports suggest that Biden’s decision came as a response to Russia allowing North Korean troops to participate in the conflict. Kuzan highlighted that this approval arrives just in time to counter an impending major offensive by Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk.
According to estimates, there are about 11,000 North Korean soldiers currently stationed in Kursk.
Additionally, Biden’s decision may facilitate the UK and France in granting Ukraine permission to deploy long-range Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia.
As of now, the UK and France have not publicly reacted to the U.S. announcement.
ATACMS, noted for their speed and range, represent a significant enhancement to Ukraine’s military capabilities.
In a notable development last month, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine successfully utilized U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes on Russian targets in the eastern front.
Ukrainian forces continue to battle against Russian advances in the critical eastern Donetsk region, particularly around the supply hub of Pokrovsk.
Additionally, Moscow has significantly increased its drone strikes on Ukraine, with over 2,000 recorded in October alone—the highest number since the conflict began.
Recent reports indicate one of Russia’s largest coordinated assaults in months occurred over the weekend, resulting in at least 10 casualties. This assault involved around 120 missiles and 90 drones, according to Ukrainian officials.
On Sunday evening, missile strikes continued, with further casualties reported in the Sumy region, including children, following strikes on residential buildings.
Ukrainian leaders have expressed concerns over the adequacy of military support received from their allies.
As President Biden prepares to leave office in January, he aims to expedite additional aid for Ukraine amid fears that his successor may reduce support for the war effort.
The U.S. has played a crucial role as the leading supplier of military assistance to Ukraine, committing $55.5 billion in arms and equipment since the war’s outset, according to estimates.
