In a move that could change the course of the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden has reportedly allowed Ukraine to use powerful, long-range missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia’s pre-2014 borders. This decision, if confirmed, marks a dramatic shift in Washington’s approach to the war and is likely to escalate tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
The news was first reported by The New York Times, which cited unnamed U.S. officials as sources. The White House has not yet confirmed or commented on the report.
What Does This Mean?
Until now, the U.S. restricted Ukraine to using American-made weapons only on areas Washington considers Ukrainian territory, avoiding strikes deep into Russia. But this new policy reportedly gives Kyiv the green light to launch attacks directly on Russian soil using Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). These missiles are fast, long-range, and deadly—capable of traveling 300 kilometers (190 miles) and hitting targets with precision.
Ukraine has had these ATACMS missiles since April, but they were under strict conditions not to be used beyond their borders. If this decision stands, it would allow Kyiv to hit strategic locations within Russia, such as supply lines, military bases, and troop positions.
Why Now?
The timing of this alleged decision is significant. The New York Times claims that Ukraine plans to target Russian forces and even alleged North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region. The presence of North Korean soldiers has not been verified, but it has reportedly influenced Washington’s decision.
This policy change suggests that some in the U.S. government believe Ukraine needs more aggressive tools to push back against Russian forces. Supporters of this decision argue that the U.S.’s earlier hesitations only emboldened Moscow.
However, not everyone agrees. Within Biden’s team, opinions are divided. Critics worry this could lead to dangerous escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that any U.S.-supplied weapons used against Russian territory would be seen as a direct NATO attack. Such actions, Putin has said, could trigger retaliation, potentially targeting Western assets.
What’s Next?
If Ukraine starts using ATACMS missiles against Russia, it could be a game-changer. The missiles’ long range and speed would allow Kyiv to hit deep into Russian territory, disrupting military operations and potentially weakening Moscow’s war efforts.
The stakes are high. As the war intensifies, any misstep could draw more countries into the conflict and raise the risk of a larger war. For now, the world watches closely as this reported U.S. decision unfolds, knowing it could significantly shift the dynamics of the ongoing battle.
Whether this bold move will tip the scales in Ukraine’s favor or escalate into a broader conflict remains to be seen.
