President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine the green light to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia. This decision, which marks a new phase in the U.S.’s involvement in the Ukraine war, was confirmed by U.S. officials and reported by the BBC’s U.S. partner CBS. For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed for the lifting of restrictions on the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), arguing that the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory would be crucial for Ukraine’s defense.
Strategic Shift
The ATACMS missiles, which have a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), will now be used by Ukraine to target Russian assets inside its own borders, particularly in the Kursk region. This region holds strategic significance as Ukraine launched a surprise incursion there in August, and Kyiv aims to retain control of this small but important area. The Biden administration’s decision is framed as a defensive measure, supporting Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its position in occupied Russian territory.
While the approval is a major development, it is not seen as a game-changer in the war’s broader trajectory. Serhiy Kuzan, chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, explained that the decision would help balance the scales between Ukrainian and Russian forces, but would not necessarily alter the course of the war. However, it could serve as an important tool in future negotiations, providing Ukraine with leverage in any potential peace talks.
Russian Reaction
The news has already sparked alarm in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that any Western supply of long-range missiles to Ukraine would be seen as direct participation in the conflict by NATO. While Putin has not yet commented on the latest U.S. decision, Kremlin officials have expressed concern, labeling it a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Some analysts have speculated that Biden’s move was partially motivated by Russia’s growing alliance with North Korea. Recently, Moscow allowed North Korean soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, which further intensified tensions. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Biden’s decision was partially a response to this development.
International Implications
Biden’s approval of the ATACMS strikes inside Russia has broader implications beyond the U.S.-Ukraine relationship. The decision opens the door for other Western allies, such as Britain and France, to provide Ukraine with additional long-range missile systems. Both nations have so far withheld permission for Ukraine to use their Storm Shadow missiles within Russian borders, but Biden’s move may signal a shift in their stance, with both nations expected to consider granting similar permissions.
This new policy comes amid continued Russian advances in Ukraine, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine has been working to push back Russian forces, who have been steadily advancing toward the key city of Pokrovsk, a critical supply hub for Ukrainian troops. In response, Russia has escalated its use of drones, launching over 2,000 in October alone, a record number in the war. The violence has led to significant civilian casualties, including at least 10 deaths from a coordinated Russian missile and drone assault on Saturday, and additional fatalities reported on Sunday.
U.S. Support for Ukraine
The U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest supplier of military aid, contributing more than $55.5 billion worth of weapons and equipment since the war began. As Biden nears the end of his presidency, concerns are growing about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly under a potential future Trump administration. Trump has criticized the current level of U.S. involvement, calling it a drain on American resources and signaling that he would seek to end the war. This uncertainty has led to a sense of urgency in Kyiv, prompting further appeals for support from the U.S. and its allies.
As the war enters its second year, Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike within Russian borders marks a pivotal moment, reinforcing U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense while raising the stakes for the Kremlin. The continued military and diplomatic developments will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict.
