For the first time, President Joe Biden has reportedly approved Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia.
This decision signals a notable shift in U.S. policy, as previously the United States had maintained restrictions on the use of its weaponry for strikes on Russian territory, citing concerns about escalation.
The move comes as Biden nears the end of his term, with President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office in January. Trump has voiced strong skepticism over prolonged U.S. involvement in the conflict and pledged to bring a swift end to the war. This policy shift was confirmed by one U.S. official and three other individuals familiar with the matter, according to reports from The Associated Press.
The approval of long-range missiles for Ukraine’s defense efforts appears to be a direct response to North Korea’s recent military support of Russia. U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian sources have reported that North Korea has deployed approximately 12,000 troops to Russia, offering strategic support to bolster President Vladimir Putin’s campaign in Ukraine. This infusion of North Korean forces, combined with recent battlefield shifts favoring Russian advances, reportedly contributed to Biden’s decision to loosen restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long urged the U.S. to lift its ban on attacks within Russia, arguing that these limitations have hindered Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders believe that the ability to strike within Russian borders would be a game-changer, allowing Ukraine to disrupt Russia’s supply lines and shift the dynamics on the battlefield.
Critics of the original U.S. policy cautioned that restricting Ukraine’s use of long-range weaponry could risk tipping the balance in Russia’s favor. Many argued that without the ability to counter Russia’s capabilities directly, Ukraine faced a growing disadvantage that might ultimately cost it the war.
However, Biden had consistently resisted such measures due to concerns that striking inside Russia could escalate the conflict and potentially pull NATO into a direct confrontation with Moscow. This cautious stance shifted, however, when North Korea significantly increased its military assistance to Russia. The presence of thousands of North Korean troops and the ongoing shift in momentum towards Moscow seem to have been pivotal in Biden’s decision.
At the same time, Trump has suggested he may take a different approach to the conflict upon assuming office. His stance includes the possibility of pressing Ukraine to consider ceding some territories to Russia as part of a peace deal. This proposal has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies, who fear that such concessions could strengthen Putin’s position and reward his aggressive tactics.
Additionally, intelligence from both U.S. and South Korean sources indicates that North Korea has been supplying Russia with a substantial quantity of munitions, replenishing critical resources for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. This flow of arms and troops from North Korea highlights the growing complexity of the conflict and the shifting alliances that have prompted Biden to reconsider his administration’s approach to supporting Ukraine.
AFP