Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s allies are upset with President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to attack Russian targets for the first time. They say this could push the world closer to a “world war three” situation.
Trump’s supporters, including his son Donald Trump Jr., some Republican lawmakers, and others, argue that Biden is escalating the war in Ukraine right before Trump takes office. Trump Jr. even posted on social media, suggesting that the military wants to start a world war before his father can take office and try to make peace.
Richard Grenell, a former official in Trump’s administration, said he didn’t expect Biden to make the war worse during the transition period, calling it a huge change in strategy. Other Republicans, like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Lee, also criticized the move, with Lee saying Biden’s actions could set the stage for World War III.
A spokesperson for the State Department defended Biden’s decision, pointing out that Biden was elected for a full four-year term and would continue pursuing policies that he believes are in the best interest of the American people.
The White House had been discussing the possibility of allowing Ukraine to strike Russia for months, and the decision was made to give Ukraine US-supplied Atacms missiles. These missiles would help Ukraine target Russian military positions, including in the Kursk region, where Russian and North Korean forces are preparing for a counterattack.
While the decision is already made, it leaves the incoming Trump administration with a tough choice. Trump has expressed opposition to sending more military aid to Ukraine, so it’s uncertain whether he will quickly reverse Biden’s decision. Some experts believe that Trump might delay making any changes, as doing so without any negotiation could look bad.
The decision could also influence other countries. The UK, for example, is expected to send missiles to Ukraine, while Germany and France have been more cautious about doing so. Some European military experts worry about the risks of escalating the conflict, while others believe Ukraine should have the tools it needs to defend itself.
As the situation unfolds, it’s unclear what Trump will do once he’s in office. Even though reversing the decision could be difficult, some experts think the momentum of using these weapons might continue, especially if Ukraine continues to need more military support.
