The Biden administration has made a bold move by allowing Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles against Russian targets, marking a significant change in U.S. policy in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. This decision comes just months before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office in January 2024, and it significantly raises the stakes in the military engagement between the two nations.
Details of the Change
According to sources familiar with the decision, Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days, employing the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) with a range of up to 300 km. This shift comes after months of requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has urged for the ability to target Russian military installations deep within its borders.
- ATACMS missiles will empower Ukraine to strike further into Russian territory.
- U.S. officials had previously expressed concerns regarding the potential escalation of the conflict, given Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
- The timing of this announcement aligns with reports of North Korean troops assisting Russian forces, which has heightened alarms in Washington.
Reactions from Washington
The White House and the U.S. State Department have refrained from commenting on the details of this decision. However, experts note that this move might provide Ukraine with a better negotiating stance should ceasefire talks materialise.
While some American officials remain sceptical about whether this decision will change the overall dynamics of the war, many believe that lifting restrictions will allow Ukraine to operate more freely in its military engagements.
Russian Response
Russia has already reacted strongly to this development, warning that it would consider the loosening of U.S. weapon restrictions as a significant escalation. Senior Russian officials have stated that using these weapons inside Russia could provoke severe consequences.
International Implications
This change in U.S. policy may lead other European allies to reassess their positions on providing long-range missiles to Ukraine. Countries like France and the United Kingdom, which have already supplied various missiles, are expected to reconsider their limits on aid in light of America’s decision.
As the situation continues to evolve, observers will be watching closely to see how this new policy impacts the ongoing conflict and if it paves the way for a resolution.