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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike deeper into Russian territory, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy as Russia bolsters its war effort with North Korean troops.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions, with Russia deploying thousands of North Korean soldiers to the Ukrainian border and launching devastating attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Biden’s decision to permit long-range missile strikes coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, raising questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has vowed to end the war but has signaled a willingness to negotiate territorial concessions to Russia.
Zelenskyy Responds Cautiously
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has long urged the U.S. to allow deeper strikes, offered a measured response.
“Strikes are not made with words,” Zelenskyy said during his nightly address. “Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.”
Zelenskyy’s comments came after a Russian missile strike on Sumy killed at least eight people and widespread drone attacks targeted Ukraine’s energy grid.
The decision to expand Ukraine’s capabilities is seen as a response to North Korea’s involvement. As many as 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been sent to Russia to support operations near Ukraine’s northern border. North Korea has also provided significant munitions to Russia, according to U.S. and South Korean intelligence.
Global Concerns Over Escalation
The international community has reacted cautiously. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the need for peace, saying, “We want fair peace.” However, he declined to comment directly on Biden’s decision.
Russia has warned that Western support for Ukrainian strikes inside its territory could provoke retaliation, potentially targeting NATO nations. Putin has hinted at providing long-range weapons to U.S. adversaries if Ukraine continues to attack Russian soil with Western-supplied arms.
Biden Balances Risks Amid GOP Victory
Biden’s decision to allow deeper strikes comes as Trump’s impending administration raises uncertainty about the future of U.S. military aid. Trump’s criticisms of the financial cost of supporting Ukraine and his reluctance to back Kyiv unequivocally have left Ukrainian allies wary.
A senior U.S. official suggested Biden’s authorization of ATACMS could help Ukraine seize critical opportunities before Trump takes office. “This decision reflects the urgency of the moment,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Ukraine’s supporters argue that enabling strikes deeper into Russia is essential to shift the battlefield dynamics. However, concerns remain about the limited supply of ATACMS missiles and the potential for escalation.
Winter Looms Over a Fragile Conflict
As the conflict intensifies, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure and cities threaten to create a humanitarian crisis during the harsh winter months. The addition of North Korean troops to the battlefield further complicates efforts to stabilize the region.
The Biden administration’s move underscores a willingness to take calculated risks to counter Russia’s growing momentum. Still, the long-term implications for U.S.-Russia relations and the broader NATO alliance remain uncertain.
