With just two months remaining in office, President Biden has authorized the Ukrainian military to use ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) for the first time to defend against Russian forces in the Kursk region.
This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, allowing Ukraine to use long-range U.S. missiles for strikes inside Russia, including against Russian and North Korean troops. The decision was made in response to Russia’s surprise deployment of North Korean troops, which intensified the conflict in the region.
President Zelensky has not directly confirmed the authorization but emphasized that the effectiveness of the missile strikes is more important than public announcements.
Biden’s decision follows previous measures, such as allowing Ukraine to use HIMARS missiles to defend cities like Kharkiv, but this new move marks a clear escalation.
U.S. officials see the missile strikes as a message to North Korea, signaling that their forces are vulnerable and discouraging further involvement in the war.
However, concerns remain that this move could provoke a Russian retaliation against U.S. and NATO partners, although some officials believe such fears are exaggerated.
The policy change comes at a crucial time as Russia launches a large assault with North Korean troops in Kursk, aiming to regain territory lost to Ukraine.
With both the U.S. and Ukraine preparing for more challenges ahead, Biden’s decision reflects increasing concerns over Ukraine’s strained military position and the broader geopolitical risks.
Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized the delay in the decision, calling for a more aggressive stance, while others worry about the potential consequences of long-range missile strikes on Russian soil.
While the use of ATACMS missiles in Kursk may help Ukraine target Russian and North Korean forces, experts caution that it is unlikely to significantly alter the course of the war.
This policy shift is seen as both a tactical move to support Ukraine and a strategic message to Russia and North Korea, despite the potential for escalating tensions.
