In a significant policy shift, US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) for strikes deeper within its territory. The move, announced Sunday, marks a dramatic departure from months of hesitation, signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Kremlin responded sharply to the decision, labeling it a "radical change in the essence and nature of the conflict." A statement from Russia's Foreign Ministry warned that Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil using US-supplied missiles would equate to “direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in military action against Russia.” Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accused Washington of “adding fuel to the fire” and intensifying tensions in the region.
Context of the Decision
Ukraine had been requesting these longer-range weapons for months to enhance its military capabilities. Previously, Biden resisted such calls, citing concerns over escalating the war into a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. However, North Korea's involvement in the conflict has reportedly influenced Biden's decision.
US and allied intelligence assessments have indicated that up to 12,000 North Korean combat troops have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine had launched an offensive earlier this year. This development has added a new dimension to the war, prompting the US to reconsider its strategy.
Reactions from Key Players
The decision has drawn mixed international responses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move indirectly, stating in his Sunday address, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda described the move as a potential “breakthrough moment” in the war.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, however, remained cautious, emphasizing the risks of escalating tensions and the importance of operational security.
Germany, while informed of the decision, has yet to comment publicly on whether it will follow suit in supporting Ukraine with similar weapons systems.
Kremlin’s Threats and NATO’s Balancing Act
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long warned against NATO’s involvement in providing Ukraine with long-range weapons. In June, he threatened retaliation by supplying similar arms to other actors capable of targeting Western nations. "Let them think about it," he remarked ominously at the time.
This latest development underscores the precarious balance NATO members must maintain to support Ukraine without provoking a wider conflict.
Implications for the War
The use of ATACMs by Ukraine could significantly shift the dynamics of the conflict, enabling strikes on strategic military targets within Russia. However, the decision raises concerns about potential retaliation from Moscow and the risk of broader international involvement.
Source: Euronews
Comments