Biden’s bold move: Ukraine can now strike inside Russia with US long-range missiles

In a groundbreaking shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use American-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russian territory. This development, reported by Reuters and the Associated Press, underscores a significant escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The decision reflects both a strategic recalibration by the United States and an acknowledgment of Ukraine’s pressing need for advanced defensive capabilities as the war persists.

A pivotal change in US policy amidst leadership transition

The decision marks the first time the United States has authorized Ukraine to deploy its Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against targets within Russia. These missiles, with a range of approximately 190 miles, provide Ukraine with the capacity to strike deeper into Russian-held territory, a capability that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long sought. While the White House has refrained from commenting on the matter, the authorization signals a clear departure from previous U.S. policy, which had limited the use of American weapons to within Ukrainian borders.

This move comes at a critical juncture, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January. Trump has pledged to reassess U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict, promising to curtail support and prioritize diplomatic resolutions. His forthcoming leadership raises questions about the sustainability of Biden’s recent actions and their long-term impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Escalating tensions and global ramifications

The decision to empower Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities follows intensified Russian missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure. These attacks have targeted critical energy grids, exacerbating Ukraine’s humanitarian and economic challenges as winter approaches. Moreover, reports of North Korean military support for Russia have further complicated the geopolitical landscape, amplifying the stakes of this conflict on a global scale.

Experts suggest that this policy shift reflects the United States’ intention to enhance Ukraine’s ability to counteract Russian aggression while discouraging further escalation by Moscow. However, the risk of increased tensions remains palpable. Russian officials have previously warned that enabling Ukraine to strike within Russia could provoke severe retaliation, potentially dragging additional nations into the conflict.

European allies support Ukraine’s long-range strikes

The United States is not alone in its decision to arm Ukraine with long-range missiles. European allies, including France and the United Kingdom, have already provided Ukraine with advanced weaponry, such as the SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles, which have been instrumental in recent operations against Russian forces. This collective support underscores a unified Western stance against Russian aggression, although it also raises concerns about the conflict’s potential to escalate into a broader international confrontation.

Strategic implications for Ukraine and its allies

For Ukraine, the ability to strike within Russia represents a game-changing development. By targeting the origins of Russian missile launches and supply chains, Ukrainian forces can disrupt Moscow’s offensive operations and reduce the frequency of attacks on civilian infrastructure. However, this capability also places Ukraine in a precarious position, as it must navigate the delicate balance of defending its sovereignty without triggering disproportionate reprisals from Russia.

As the Biden administration nears its conclusion, its decision to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities leaves a legacy of decisive support for the embattled nation. The extent to which the incoming Trump administration will uphold or revise this policy remains to be seen.

President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike within Russia represents a significant policy shift with far-reaching implications. While it enhances Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities, it also raises concerns about the potential for escalation in an already volatile conflict. As global leaders watch closely, the decision underscores the complex interplay of military strategy, international diplomacy, and the enduring pursuit of peace.