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//Biden Greenlights Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles Against Russia//

 //Biden Greenlights Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles Against Russia//

In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized the Ukrainian military to use U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike Russian territory. This marks the first time Ukraine has been permitted to employ these weapons against targets within Russia's borders. 

The decision comes as Ukrainian forces face mounting challenges in the Kursk region of western Russia, where Russian troops—bolstered by reinforcements from North Korea—are launching a major offensive. The Biden administration views this as a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, prompting the president to lift prior restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weaponry.  

This move represents a significant departure from previous U.S. policy, which had sought to limit the geographic scope of Ukrainian attacks using American weaponry. The decision has stirred debate within the administration, as President-elect Donald J. Trump, set to take office in two months, has expressed a desire to curtail support for Ukraine.

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Administration officials described the policy change as a direct response to Russia's decision to incorporate North Korean troops into its campaign. By allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, the U.S. hopes to disrupt this alliance and send a clear message of deterrence. 

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine refrained from confirming the new authorization directly but hinted at its implications. "The rockets will speak for themselves," Zelensky stated in a recent address, underscoring Ukraine’s readiness to escalate its military respons.banner

Earlier this year, Russia launched a cross-border assault near Kharkiv, intensifying pressure on Ukraine’s defense capabilities. In response, the Biden administration allowed Ukraine to use shorter-range HIMARS systems against Russian forces near the border. However, the use of ATACMS, with their 190-mile range, had remained off-limits—until now.  

The latest authorization reflects the Biden administration’s recognition of the evolving threats on the battlefield. While the ATACMS strikes are initially expected to target Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region, officials acknowledged the potential for broader use.

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The decision has sparked concerns over possible retaliation from Moscow. Some U.S. officials fear that permitting strikes on Russian soil could provoke President Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict further, potentially targeting the United States or its NATO allies.  

However, other experts argue that Putin is unlikely to escalate significantly, given the Kremlin’s existing resource constraints and focus on the ongoing war effort.  

The inclusion of North Korean forces in the conflict has further complicated the situation. By targeting these reinforcements, the U.S. aims to dissuade Pyongyang from deepening its involvement.  

The Kursk region has become a critical flashpoint in the war. Russian forces, reinforced by an estimated 50,000 troops—including contingents from North Korea—are launching a concerted effort to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine earlier this year. Ukrainian forces have dug in, but the situation remains fluid, with high stakes for both sides.  banner

U.S. officials have emphasized that the provision of ATACMS is not intended to fundamentally alter the course of the war but to provide Ukraine with the tools needed to counter immediate threats.  

As the Biden administration approaches its final weeks, the decision to authorize long-range strikes underscores the enduring complexities of U.S. involvement in Ukraine. With President-elect Trump poised to reevaluate America’s role, the implications of this policy shift will reverberate well beyond January 2025.  

For now, Ukraine’s ability to leverage its newfound capabilities will be a crucial test of both its resilience and the efficacy of U.S. military support.

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