Washington D.C: In a significant policy reversal, the Biden administration has granted Ukraine permission to use U.S.-made weapons to carry out long-range strikes into Russian territory. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and signals a dramatic escalation in military support for Kyiv, U.S. officials and sources familiar with the development confirmed on Sunday.
A Critical Turning Point in the Conflict
Ukraine is set to conduct its first deep strikes in the coming days, likely using Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 190 miles (306 kilometers). Operational details remain classified for security reasons. This development comes two months before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20, further intensifying the geopolitical stakes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has long appealed for expanded military capabilities, welcomed the decision without explicitly confirming the strikes. “Missiles will speak for themselves,” Zelenskyy remarked in his nightly address, emphasizing that such operations would proceed without prior announcement.
Catalyst for the Shift: North Korean Troop Deployment
The policy change stems partly from Russia’s alarming deployment of North Korean ground troops to bolster its forces, a move that has heightened concerns in both Washington and Kyiv. This unusual alliance has prompted the Biden administration to reassess its stance, providing Ukraine with the tools needed to counteract Russia’s deepening military strategies.
Global Reactions: Fears of Escalation
The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response, but Russian lawmakers have sounded alarms over the implications of this decision.
- Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of Russia’s international affairs committee, warned that this escalation could risk triggering World War III.
- Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, claimed that the West’s actions could lead to “the complete destruction of Ukrainian statehood by morning.”
The White House and U.S. State Department have declined to comment on the matter.
Potential Implications of ATACMS Deployment
ATACMS rockets, known for their precision and long range, are expected to target strategic Russian military infrastructure, potentially crippling supply chains and logistics far from the front lines. This new capability is seen as a game-changer, allowing Ukraine to strike critical targets previously out of reach.
What’s Next?
The decision underscores Washington’s resolve to counter Moscow’s aggression but raises concerns about escalating the conflict to uncharted levels. As Ukraine prepares for its first long-range strikes, the international community braces for the fallout of this bold strategy, with many questioning whether it could mark the beginning of a broader, more perilous confrontation.
For Ukraine, however, the message is clear: the war is no longer confined to its borders. With U.S. backing, Kyiv is ready to push back on every front.
