Biden’s Bold Move: Ukraine Granted Permission to Strike Deeper into Russia, Sparking Outrage in Moscow
In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory, a decision that has ignited a fierce backlash from Moscow. This announcement, made over the weekend, comes after months of intense lobbying from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and marks a pivotal moment nearly three years into the ongoing conflict.
The ATACMS missiles, capable of reaching targets approximately 190 miles away, represent a substantial upgrade from the less powerful, non-U.S. weapons Ukraine has been using to date. Until now, Ukraine’s long-range attacks have primarily relied on explosive drones, which are less effective against fortified Russian positions. The introduction of ATACMS is expected to enhance Ukraine’s ability to target Russian military infrastructure before it can be deployed against Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy’s administration has been pressing Washington for this capability for some time, but the Biden administration had previously hesitated, concerned that such a move could escalate the conflict further. However, the calculus appears to have changed, particularly in light of recent devastating missile attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities, including a tragic strike in Sumy that killed 11 people, including children.
As Biden prepares to hand over the presidency to Donald Trump—who is perceived as less supportive of Ukraine’s territorial ambitions—this decision may also reflect a sense of urgency to bolster Ukraine’s defenses before a potential shift in U.S. policy.
In response to Biden’s announcement, Russian lawmakers expressed outrage, with some warning that this could lead to a third world war. Leonid Slutsky, a senior Russian lawmaker, accused Biden of aiming to go down in history as “Bloody Joe,” while Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov warned that the decision was a “very big step” toward global conflict. The official Russian newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, cautioned that NATO’s involvement could lead to severe consequences.
Despite the backlash, Zelenskyy welcomed the U.S. policy change, stating, “strikes are not made with words… The missiles will speak for themselves.” However, he also acknowledged the potential shift in U.S. diplomacy under Trump, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to pursue diplomatic solutions to end the war.
The parameters of the missile usage remain somewhat unclear, with reports suggesting that Ukraine may be limited to targeting Russian defensive positions in the Kursk region, where North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces. This development has raised concerns about the implications of a broader international conflict, as the presence of North Korean troops in Europe marks a significant escalation.
Experts are divided on the potential impact of this policy shift. James Nixey from Chatham House cautioned that if the missile usage is restricted to specific regions, the overall effect on the war may be minimal. However, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan argued that the ongoing escalations by Putin necessitated a stronger response from the U.S. to support Ukraine’s defense.
As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely, aware that the stakes have never been higher. With Biden’s decision, Ukraine is poised to retaliate more effectively against Russian aggression, but the potential for escalation looms large, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
