U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to use American-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
This authorization allows Ukraine to deploy Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have a range of up to 190 miles, for high-impact operations.
According to two American officials, Kyiv is expected to launch its first strikes using these weapons in the coming days. However, operational security concerns have kept further details under wraps.
This development coincides with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s push for increased support for Ukraine at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Starmer, who has ruled out any direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit, reaffirmed his stance on standing firmly with Kyiv.
He indicated that bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities remains a priority for the international community.
The U.S. decision to ease restrictions on ATACMS follows reports of Russia deploying North Korean ground troops to reinforce its ranks in the conflict.
These missiles are expected to provide Ukraine with a critical advantage, enabling it to target strategic locations far behind enemy lines.
In response to speculation about the impending strikes, Ukrainian officials remained tight-lipped. “Missiles will speak for themselves,” one Ukrainian spokesperson stated, adding, “Such things are not announced.
Strikes are not carried out with words.”
Meanwhile, the move has sparked intense debate in international political circles. Critics, including prominent figures in the U.S., have warned of the potential for the situation to spiral into a global conflict. Donald Trump Jr., the son of the former U.S. president, condemned the decision on social media platform X, writing, “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives… Imbeciles!”
This comes as the Biden administration faces increasing scrutiny over its commitment to Ukraine, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Former President Donald Trump, a leading candidate for the Republican nomination, has vowed to scale back U.S. support for Ukraine and negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
Analysts suggest Biden’s decision to authorize long-range missile use may be influenced by concerns over Trump’s potential shift in policy should he return to power.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that lifting the ban on long-range missile use would be interpreted as NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict, raising the stakes in an already volatile situation. With tensions escalating, the coming days may prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of the war.
