The President of the United States, Joe Biden, authorized Ukraine to use long-range American weapons for limited attacks within Russian territory, The Washington Post reported this Sunday, citing two senior officials of the Biden Administration.
So far, neither the White House nor the Pentagon have confirmed it. Nor has Volodymyr Zelensky’s Ukrainian government done so.
According to the sources cited by the newspaper, Biden’s permission to use US weapons is in response to the sending of thousands of North Korean soldiers to Ukraine (10,000 according to US intelligence) to join the Russian forces trying to regain control of the territory. Russian captured by Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.
The sources emphasize that it is also a signal to Pyongyang not to send more troops, as there are suspicions that it could be planning to do so.
The authorized weapons are specifically supersonic guided missiles called ATACMS that can carry conventional or cluster warheads, and have a range of about 190 miles or 300 kilometers.
They respond to what the Zelensky government has been asking for for months with the argument that only weapons like this can significantly degrade Russian military capacity and give Ukraine a certain advantage on the ground.
If confirmed, Biden’s decision could mean a great boost to Ukraine just before his government gives way in January to that of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly promised to end the war in Ukraine.
And although he has not expressly specified it, there is fear that Trump is promoting an agreement with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, that includes Ukraine’s relinquishment of part of its territory currently occupied by Russian troops.
If Trump promotes negotiations with Moscow in the coming months, entry into the long-range missile war could at least strengthen Ukraine’s position at a future negotiating table, the newspaper notes. EFE
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**How might the potential use of long-range missiles by Ukraine impact the upcoming US presidential election, particularly regarding the candidates’ stances on foreign policy and military intervention?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: The Biden Decision and the Future of the Ukraine War
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the bombshell report from The Washington Post alleging that President Biden has authorized the use of long-range American weapons by Ukraine for attacks within Russian territory. This news comes amidst escalating tensions and a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape with the upcoming US Presidential election. We’re joined today by two distinguished guests to discuss the ramifications of this potential development.
**Dr. Anya Petrova:** A renowned expert in international relations and Russian foreign policy from the Institute of International Studies.
**Colonel George Miller (Retired):** A former US Army intelligence officer specializing in Russian military capabilities and tactics.
**Section 1: Confirmation and Context**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, let’s start with the report itself. The White House and Pentagon have yet to confirm this authorization. How should we interpret the lack of official confirmation? Does it necessarily mean the report is false, or are there other factors at play?
**Dr. Petrova:** The silence from official channels is indeed telling. It could indicate ongoing deliberations, a desire to avoid escalating tensions, or a strategic decision to let the news slowly permeate before official acknowledgment. However, the detailed nature of The Washington Post’s reporting, citing senior Biden administration officials, adds weight to its credibility.
**Host:** Colonel Miller, from a military standpoint, what would be the strategic implications of Ukraine possessing these long-range ATACMS missiles?
**Colonel Miller:** ATACMS missiles significantly augment Ukraine’s offensive capabilities. With a range of 300 kilometers, they can strike deep within Russian territory, targeting logistical hubs, command centers, and potentially even high-value military assets. This would force Russia to rethink its defensive strategies and could potentially shift the balance of power on the battlefield.
**Section 2: Motivations and Escalation**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, The Washington Post links this alleged decision to the deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine. Can you elaborate on this connection? How might this factor into the Biden administration’s calculus?
**Dr. Petrova:** The involvement of North Korea adds another layer of complexity to this conflict. It signifies a deepening of Moscow’s isolation and a willingness to cross unprecedented lines to bolster its war effort. The US might see arming Ukraine with long-range missiles as a necessary deterrent to further North Korean intervention and a way to demonstrate its commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of expanding aggression.
**Host:** Colonel Miller, doesn’t arming Ukraine with these weapons risk escalating the conflict, potentially drawing the US and NATO directly into the war?
**Colonel Miller:** This is the critical question and undoubtedly a major concern. While the reported authorization specifies “limited attacks,” defining those limits is crucial. The line between a proportional response and direct engagement can easily be blurred, especially in a conflict as volatile as this. The potential for miscalculation and unintended escalation is very real.
**Section 3: Domestic Politics and Negotiation**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, how might the potential use of long-range missiles, authorized by the outgoing Biden administration, influence the incoming Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine?
**Dr. Petrova:** The timing of this decision is intriguing. It could be seen as an attempt by the Biden administration to box in the anticipated Trump administration, making it more difficult to simply walk back US support for Ukraine or pursue negotiated settlements that involve territorial concessions.
**Host:** Colonel Miller, Do you believe the potential access to these long-range weapons could strengthen Ukraine’s position at the negotiating table if peace talks were to resume?
**Colonel Miller:** Absolutely. A militarily stronger Ukraine with the ability to strike deep within Russia would be in a much better position to negotiate from a position of strength. It shifts the dynamic and adds leverage to Ukrainian demands.
**Host:** Thank you both for offering your invaluable insights on this critical development. The potential impact of this alleged decision on the Ukraine war and the delicate balance of power in the region is profound.Only time will tell how MATTERS unfold. This concludes our World Today News exclusive interview.
