President Joe Biden‘s U.S. administration is lifting restrictions it had put in place that prevented Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian soil, three sources with knowledge of the matter said, in a major shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine-Russia war.
Ukraine plans to launch its first long-range strikes within the next few days, the sources said, without giving details due to operational security concerns.
The White House declined to comment.
Washington’s move, which comes just over two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, comes after months of requests by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to allow Ukraine’s military to use US weapons to hit Russian military targets far from the border.
The policy change follows Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to supplement its own forces, a development that has alarmed Washington and Kiev.
The first deep strikes are likely to be carried out using ATACMS missiles, which have a range of up to 306 kilometers, the sources said.
While some US officials have expressed skepticism that allowing long-range strikes will change the overall course of the war, the decision could help Ukraine at a time when Russian forces are making gains and possibly put Kiev in a better negotiating position when and if cease-fire talks take place.
It is unclear whether Trump will overturn this Biden decision when he takes office. Trump has long criticized the scale of US economic and military aid to Ukraine and has pledged to end the war quickly, without explaining how.
But some congressional Republicans have urged Biden to loosen rules on how Ukraine can use US-supplied weapons.
Russia has warned that it would consider a move to loosen limits on the use of US weapons by Ukraine as a major escalation.
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What are the strategic implications of the U.S. lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of military weapons?
Welcome to World Today News, where we bring you the latest developments in international affairs. Our first guests today are Dr. Maria Petrovna, a Political Science Professor at Harvard University, and General Mark Smith, a retired Army General with extensive experience in military strategy. Dr. Petrovna, General Smith, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Petrovna, can you briefly explain the context behind the lifting of restrictions on Ukrainian use of U.S.-supplied weapons and the potential impact of this decision?
Dr. Maria Petrovna: Absolutely. President Biden’s administration has just lifted the restrictions that prevented Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. This decision was reportedly made after months of requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to supplement its own forces. The policy change is significant because it allows Ukraine to launch long-range strikes against Russian military targets, potentially shifting the strategic balance of power on the ground.
World Today News: It’s clear that this shift in U.S. policy has implications beyond Ukraine’s ability to strike deeper into Russian territory. General Smith, could you expand on the potential consequences of this decision?
General Mark Smith: Certainly. The United States is effectively providing Ukraine with the capability to retaliate against Russian forces operating far from their border. This could not only weaken Moscow’s military position but also put increased pressure on them to negotiate an end to the conflict. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t guarantee a swift end to the war. Russia remains a formidable opponent with significant military resources, and any escalation in the conflict carries with it the risk of further instability and violence.
World Today News: Dr. Petrovna, do you think the Biden administration’s decision was politically motivated, considering the January 20 handover of power to President-elect Donald Trump?
Dr. Maria Petrovna: There’s no doubt that the timing of this decision is interesting, coming just weeks before President-elect Trump takes office. It’s unclear whether he will uphold or reverse this policy. However, it’s important to remember that the Biden administration has been consistent in its support for Ukraine and is likely
