President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use advanced American long-range missiles, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), within Russian territory. This decision, confirmed by two U.S. officials, is part of a broader strategy as Russia deploys additional troops to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive earlier this year. The U.S. has been cautious about escalating the conflict but believes that Ukraine’s ability to hold Kursk could be pivotal in future peace negotiations.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has long pushed for the use of these powerful missiles against targets in Russia, arguing that it’s crucial for gaining momentum in the ongoing conflict. Despite initial reluctance, Biden’s approval signals a shift in policy, allowing for the use of ATACMS missiles within Russia after months of deliberation.
Concerns over the potential escalation of the war were raised when North Korean troops began assisting Russian forces in Kursk. This move has raised alarms about the growing complexity of the conflict. Meanwhile, Biden’s decision highlights the tense dynamics of U.S. involvement and the continuing battle for control of critical territories in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
While some experts worry about limited missile supplies, the Biden administration is determined to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary resources to continue fighting, including leveraging U.S. military stockpiles and providing support through 2025.
Zelensky responded to the approval, emphasizing that actions on the battlefield would speak louder than words, reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness to strike strategic Russian targets.
REUTERS, CNN, BBC NEWS, GUARDIANS, ARY NEWS