Biden approves Ukraine’s use of US missiles.
The White House and the Pentagon have not yet confirmed reports that President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of U.S. long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia. While details of the decision remain unverified, sources suggest that the approval would significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to target strategic locations in Russian territory, potentially escalating the conflict. The move, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in U.S. military support for Ukraine, providing them with more advanced weaponry to counter Russian aggression. Officials have not issued an official statement, leaving the matter under speculation at this time.
Biden Approves Ukraine’s Use of US Long-Range Missiles to Strike Inside Russia
Washington: In a significant shift of policy regarding the ongoing Ukraine crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target locations inside Russian territory. military assistance to Ukraine, potentially expanding the scope of its attacks on Russian positions.
According to American media reports, including sources from Xinhua, The Associated Press, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, two anonymous U.S. officials confirmed that the greenlight would permit Ukraine to deploy Western-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) for the first time in the conflict. These missiles, which have a range of approximately 190 miles (305.8 kilometers), will enable Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory than previously allowed under U.S. support.
The Shift in U.S. Policy
The Biden administration has not officially confirmed the decision, and both the White House and the Pentagon have refrained from commenting on the reports. However, if confirmed, the approval represents a major policy shift for the U.S., which had previously restricted Ukraine’s use of more advanced weapons to avoid further escalation of the conflict. Prior to this, the U.S. had provided Ukraine with the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems), a lighter and shorter-range system, capable of striking targets up to 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) away. The HIMARS system was employed successfully by Ukrainian forces in the defense of eastern Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, where it played a key role in pushing back Russian forces.
Despite previous concerns about potential escalation, the U.S. had allowed the use of HIMARS for cross-border attacks in Ukraine’s defense. This new policy change now opens the possibility for Ukraine to strike at greater distances, using the ATACMS, which would allow for more targeted operations deep within Russian-held territory. The decision, however, comes with caveats, with U.S. officials suggesting that Ukraine may only use the missiles in specific areas, particularly outside the Kursk region, which lies close to the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Concerns Over Escalation
The U.S. had initially ruled out the use of the ATACMS in Ukraine for several reasons, including fears of a drastic escalation in the war with Russia. The long-range capabilities of the ATACMS make it a far more potent weapon than the HIMARS, and U.S. officials had been cautious about allowing its use for fear of provoking a more aggressive response from Russia. However, as the war drags on and the intensity of the conflict increases, the Biden administration appears to be recalibrating its stance, providing Ukraine with the tools it needs to counter Russian aggression while still maintaining a cautious approach to escalation.
While U.S. officials have emphasized that this shift in policy is unlikely to “fundamentally change the course” of the war, it is expected to give Ukraine a significant advantage in terms of striking key Russian targets. The use of ATACMS could potentially weaken Russia’s military infrastructure and disrupt supply lines that are crucial for its operations inside Ukraine.
Strategic Implications
The decision to authorize the use of long-range missiles comes as Ukraine continues to face heavy resistance from Russian forces, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of the country. The ongoing Russian offensives in these areas have led to widespread devastation, with Ukrainian forces relying heavily on Western military support, including artillery and missile systems.
In addition to bolstering Ukraine’s defense, the use of U.S. missiles inside Russia could have strategic implications. It could disrupt Russia’s ability to carry out operations within its own borders or in occupied Ukrainian territories. However, experts warn that any significant strike inside Russian territory might provoke retaliatory actions, potentially widening the scope of the war.
The U.S. military’s reluctance to escalate the conflict has always been a delicate balancing act. While supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to defend itself, U.S. officials have been cautious about becoming directly involved in the conflict, especially after Russia’s threats of nuclear escalation. The decision to approve the use of ATACMS is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Russia, who have already locked horns over sanctions, arms shipments, and other aspects of the war.
International Reactions
International reactions to the U.S. decision are expected to vary. NATO members and other countries supporting Ukraine will likely view this move as a positive step toward ensuring that Ukraine can defend its territory more effectively. However, Russia will undoubtedly see this as an escalation and could intensify its military actions as a result.
The shift in U.S. policy reflects a broader reassessment of the war in Ukraine, particularly as the conflict shows no signs of abating. The decision to provide Ukraine with more advanced weaponry is a clear message of continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, but it also signals a willingness to take more calculated risks in the interest of weakening Russia’s military capabilities.
Conclusion
The approval for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia marks a significant shift in the U.S. approach to the war in Ukraine. While officials maintain that this decision will not drastically change the course of the conflict, it underscores the evolving nature of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this new policy will impact the overall trajectory of the war and the delicate balance of international diplomacy.