Biden lets Ukraine strike Russia with long-range missiles
President Joe Biden has, for the first time, authorized Ukraine to use American long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. This decision allows Ukrainians to use ATACMS missiles to defend their forces in the Kursk region, according to "The New York Times."
The American administration has made a significant policy shift towards Ukraine. According to American officials, ATACMS missiles (Army Tactical Missile Systems) with a range of about 190 miles will first be used against Russian and North Korean units threatening Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region in western Russia.
The Biden administration has begun to ease restrictions on the use of American weapons on Russian territory after Russia conducted a cross-border attack towards Kharkiv in May. Previously, Ukrainians were permitted to use HIMARS systems with a range of about 50 miles against Russian forces near the border, but using ATACMS missiles was not allowed.
North Korean involvement
According to American sources, the Russian army is preparing to launch a major offensive with forces of about 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean units. The aim is to recapture all Russian territory that Ukrainians seized in August. Ukraine can use ATACMS missiles to strike concentrations of Russian and North Korean troops, critical military equipment, logistics hubs, and ammunition depots.
American officials state that "Allowing the Ukrainians to use the long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, came in response to Russia’s surprise decision to bring North Korean troops into the fight." Some advisors feared that using missiles on Russian territory might provoke President Vladimir Putin to retaliate against the United States and its allies.
International support
President Volodymyr Zelensky has long sought permission from the United States and its allies to use long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. British and French armed forces have provided Ukraine with a limited number of Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles with a range of about 155 miles. However, their leaders hesitated to allow the use of these missiles on Russian territory without Washington's consent.
American officials emphasized that "The Ukrainians could use the ATACMS missiles to strike Russian and North Korean troop concentrations, key pieces of military equipment, logistics nodes, ammunition depots and supply lines deep inside Russia." According to them, the policy change may not alter the course of the war, but it will allow Ukraine to target high-value assets that were previously inaccessible and send a signal to North Korea about the consequences of its involvement in the conflict, summarized "The New York Times."
