In a bold move, President Biden has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, known as ATACMS, to target Russian and North Korean forces inside Russia. This decision marks a big shift in U.S. policy and comes as Biden prepares to leave office in two months.
What’s Behind the Decision?
The game-changing move came after Russia surprised the world by bringing thousands of North Korean troops into the fight. Ukraine has been battling a tough Russian assault in the Kursk region, an area that Ukraine seized earlier this year. The decision to allow these long-range strikes aims to help Ukraine defend itself and send a clear message to North Korea: their forces aren’t untouchable.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s leader, hinted at the approval but didn’t confirm it outright. “Missiles don’t need announcements. They’ll speak for themselves,” he said, keeping the suspense alive.
Why Now?
Until now, the U.S. had been cautious, letting Ukraine use shorter-range HIMARS missiles for defense but stopping short of allowing attacks deep into Russian territory. That changed after Russia launched a major offensive, backed by over 10,000 North Korean troops. U.S. officials believe the ATACMS missiles could help Ukraine hit key targets like supply hubs, ammunition depots, and large troop gatherings, giving them a better chance to hold their ground.
A Divisive Choice
This decision hasn’t been easy. Some of Biden’s advisers worry that striking Russian soil with U.S. weapons could provoke an extreme response from Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly escalating the war. Others argue that the U.S. has been too hesitant and that stronger action is necessary to support Ukraine.
Some Republicans, like Representative Michael R. Turner, think this change is long overdue. “President Biden should have acted on this months ago,” he said.
A Dangerous Gamble
There’s no denying the risks. A U.S. intelligence report warned that Russia could retaliate with sabotage or attacks on U.S. and European military bases. However, Biden decided the benefits outweighed the risks, especially with Ukrainian forces stretched thin and at risk of losing the territories they’ve gained.
What’s Next?
Ukraine may use these missiles to counter the Russian-North Korean offensive in Kursk. If successful, it could strengthen Ukraine’s position in future peace talks. But if the Russians win, Ukraine could lose the leverage it needs to negotiate a fair deal.
This decision also sends a powerful message to North Korea, discouraging them from sending more troops to support Russia.
Final Thoughts
This is a critical moment in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While it’s unclear if these missiles will shift the war’s outcome, they could give Ukraine a much-needed boost in defending its land. As the clock ticks down on Biden’s presidency, the world watches to see how this bold move plays out—and whether it will bring Ukraine closer to victory or further escalate the conflict.
