In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use U.S.-made weapons to carry out strikes deep into Russian territory. This decision, revealed by U.S. officials on Sunday, represents a major reversal of Washington’s previous stance, which had limited Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons to defensive operations within its own borders.
Ukraine Set to Launch First Long-Range Strikes
According to sources familiar with the matter, Ukraine is expected to launch its first long-range attacks in the coming days, likely using the ATACMS missile system, which has a range of up to 190 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed in an evening address that the country would soon take action, though he did not elaborate on specific targets, citing operational security concerns.
“This is not a matter of words. Strikes speak for themselves,” Zelenskiy said, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia comes after months of requests from Zelenskiy, who had urged Washington to lift restrictions on its use of long-range weapons.
Escalation Concerns from Russia
The move is expected to escalate tensions significantly. Russian officials have warned that loosening these restrictions could provoke a dangerous escalation, with some going as far as suggesting it could lead to a global conflict. Vladimir Dzhabarov, a senior Russian lawmaker, warned that such a policy shift could trigger “World War Three,” while Andrei Klishas, a member of Russia’s Federation Council, predicted that it could result in the collapse of Ukrainian statehood.
The Kremlin has yet to formally respond, but the decision could worsen already strained relations between the U.S. and Russia. Moscow has increasingly relied on North Korean troops to bolster its forces in Ukraine, and U.S. officials say the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers to the Kursk region has been a major factor in the policy change.
A Response to Russian Advances and North Korean Involvement
Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets deep inside the country could be a game-changer, especially as Russian forces make gains in the ongoing conflict. Despite suffering significant losses, Russia has advanced at its fastest rate since 2022. Ukrainian forces have been stretched thin, with manpower shortages hampering their ability to hold territory, particularly in the Kursk region, where intense fighting has occurred.
The White House had previously been hesitant to approve such a shift in policy, fearing it could provoke further retaliation from Russia or lead to direct involvement by NATO countries. However, the increasing involvement of North Korean forces, as well as Russia’s continued missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, appears to have prompted a change in strategy.
Will Trump Reverse the Decision?
With the U.S. set to see a change in leadership in January, there is uncertainty over whether President-elect Donald Trump will continue this policy or reverse it. Trump has repeatedly criticized the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine and vowed to end the war swiftly, although the specifics of his plan remain unclear. A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately comment on Biden’s decision.
Some Republican lawmakers have expressed support for the policy change, calling it a necessary step to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin. Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, argued that the decision was long overdue, though he also called for further loosening of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons.
Global Reactions and NATO’s Role
The decision to allow long-range strikes may also have repercussions for NATO and its role in the conflict. While countries like Poland have supported Ukraine with arms, they have done so with restrictions to avoid triggering a wider war with Russia. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested that the U.S. decision was a direct response to Russia’s growing reliance on North Korean troops and its continued missile attacks on Ukraine.
