US Authorizes Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia with Advanced Missiles

The long-awaited decision by U.S. President Joe Biden to authorize Ukraine‘s use of Washington-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russian territory marks a significant shift in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Announced on November 17th, 2024, this move was confirmed by American news outlets and has already generated considerable international reaction.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), developed in the late 1980s, was previously off-limits for use against Russia due to concerns over escalating tensions between NATO and Moscow. According to a U.S. official, the shift in policy comes amidst reports of North Korea‘s involvement in the conflict, contributing up to 12,000 combat troops to fight in Russia’s Kursk region.

While the White House has not yet issued a formal statement, a spokesperson for the German government revealed that Berlin had been informed of the policy change. Reports indicate that the advanced missiles had long been requested by Ukraine to enhance its military capability against Russian forces.

Despite this strategic advancement, Russian responses have been swift. Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for the Kremlin, stated that the new missile use authorization «adds fuel to the fire and provokes further tension» in the war. The Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the action as a dramatic change in the conflict’s nature, arguing it implicates direct involvement by the United States and its allies.

In his response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remained measured, noting, «The missiles will speak for themselves.» Meanwhile, reactions from international leaders have been mixed. Poland‘s President Andrzej Duda hailed the decision as potentially seminal in changing war dynamics. Conversely, the UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed reservations, cautioning against decisions that could compromise operational security and empower Moscow.

As the conflict enters this new phase, experts anticipate developments that will test diplomatic ties and could shift the conflict’s trajectory. Both sides remain poised as they navigate through this strategically pivotal period.