By Smartencyclopedia SNBNewsdesk with Agencies

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 17, 2024)

President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes deeper inside Russian territory, a move signaling a major shift in U.S. policy as the war intensifies. The decision, confirmed by a U.S. official and three individuals familiar with the matter, comes amid growing tensions and the deployment of North Korean troops to bolster Russia’s efforts.

The authorization allows Ukraine to deploy the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), a long-range precision weapon that Kyiv has long requested. Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have argued that such weapons are essential to counter Russia’s assaults on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

This policy adjustment occurs as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly positions thousands of North Korean troops along Ukraine’s northern border, aiming to reclaim territory lost to Ukrainian counteroffensives. The involvement of North Korean forces marks a troubling escalation, drawing criticism from Western nations and raising concerns about the widening scope of the conflict.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, suggested that Biden’s decision may also be linked to North Korea’s increased support for Russia’s invasion. “The deployment of long-range missiles is a necessary response to these new developments,” the official noted.

Political Implications

The timing of Biden’s announcement is notable, coinciding with the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory in the recent presidential election. Trump has stated he would swiftly end the war, casting uncertainty over the future of U.S. military support for Ukraine under his administration. Biden’s move may be seen as a preemptive measure to strengthen Ukraine’s position before any potential policy shifts.

Strategic Goals

The use of ATACMS will enable Ukraine to target Russian military installations and supply lines previously beyond its reach. Advocates of the decision argue that allowing strikes deeper into Russian territory will deter future aggression and disrupt Moscow’s war operations.

For months, Zelenskyy and Western allies have pushed for this policy change, claiming the ban on long-range missile strikes hampered Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively. With winter approaching, the timing is critical as Russian forces have previously targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during colder months.

International Reactions

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. NATO allies have expressed cautious support, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity against Russian aggression. However, some nations have raised concerns about further escalation and the potential for direct conflict between NATO and Russia.

Meanwhile, North Korea’s involvement has been widely condemned. Experts view Pyongyang’s troop deployment as an attempt to deepen ties with Moscow while defying international sanctions and norms.

As Ukraine prepares to deploy these new capabilities, the world watches closely, bracing for the potential consequences of this pivotal shift in the war. Whether Biden’s decision will change the trajectory of the conflict remains to be seen, but it underscores the deepening complexities of a war with global implications.