The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory, a move that marks a significant shift in U.S. policy amidst the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
This decision, revealed by senior U.S. officials and sources familiar with the matter, follows months of requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had been pressing for the easing of restrictions on American weapons to counter Russian military advancements. Sources suggest that Ukraine is likely to carry out its first long-range strikes in the coming days, although specific details remain undisclosed for security reasons.
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The policy change represents a reversal of the U.S. stance that had sought to avoid escalating the war directly. It is seen as a response to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to bolster its forces, an action that has raised concerns in both Washington and Kyiv.
The Kremlin has not yet officially reacted, but Russian officials have warned of severe consequences. Andrei Klishas, a senior Russian lawmaker, condemned the policy shift, claiming it could lead to the destruction of Ukraine’s statehood. Other Russian figures have expressed fears that this move could trigger a broader conflict.
President Zelensky, while not confirming the news, suggested that significant action would soon follow. “Missiles will speak for themselves,” he stated in a recent address, hinting at the upcoming strikes.
Ukraine is expected to use ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 306 kilometers, to target Russian military sites deep within its territory. While some U.S. officials are skeptical about the long-term impact of this decision, others believe it could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position in the conflict.
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The timing of this decision is particularly sensitive, coming just two months before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump has been critical of U.S. support for Ukraine and has promised to end the conflict quickly, although he has not provided a clear plan. Richard Grenell, an advisor to Trump, criticized Biden’s decision, calling it an unnecessary escalation of the war.
NATO allies have generally avoided authorizing the use of their weapons for strikes inside Russia, fearing it could provoke a wider war or nuclear retaliation. However, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski supported Biden’s move, arguing it was a necessary response to Russia’s growing reliance on North Korean troops and missile attacks.
As Russian forces make significant gains in the war, and with over 10,000 North Korean soldiers now stationed in Russia, Ukraine faces mounting pressure. Republican Representative Mike Turner supported the Biden administration’s decision, calling it a step towards increasing pressure on Russia.
With Ukraine’s first long-range strikes imminent, the international community remains on high alert as tensions continue to rise.
