President Biden authorized the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine in the war with Russia.
The weapons are likely to be used initially against Russian and North Korean troops defending Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of western Russia, US officials told the newspaper.
The decision to allow the Ukrainians to use the long-range missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, came in response to Russia’s surprise decision to bring North Korean troops into the battle, the same officials 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.
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 decision of Mr. Biden is a major change in US politics and as the American media point out, this choice has divided his advisers as his decision comes two months before the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has promised to limit further Washington support for Ukraine.
What will Trump do?
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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1. As professional website editors, we have an opportunity to engage in a timely discussion about the recent developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Could you please tell us more about the significance of President Biden authorizing the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine? How does this decision impact the dynamics of the ongoing war?
Guest 1: The use of American-made long-range missiles by the Ukrainian military is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. It demonstrates that the Biden administration is willing to provide more robust support to Ukraine, including weapons that can potentially change the course of the war. This decision also signals that the US is willing to escalate its involvement in the conflict, which could have unintended consequences.
Guest 2: Providing long-range missiles to Ukraine is a major decision that reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This move may not necessarily change the course of the war, but it sends a strong message to both Russia and Ukraine that the US is prepared to confront Russian aggression. Additionally, it could potentially level the playing field between the two nations and reduce civilian casualties by allowing Ukraine to strike targets further away from populated areas.
2. The decision to authorize long-range missiles came in response to Russia’s decision to bring North Korean troops into the conflict. Can you elaborate on this development and its implications for the war?
Guest 1: The inclusion of North Korean troops in the conflict is a significant development as it suggests that Russia is willing to expand its military alliances and reach out for support from unconventional sources. This move could potentially lead to further destabilization in the region and increase tensions between the US, North Korea, and China. The use of long-range missiles by Ukraine against Russian and North Korean forces could be seen as a defensive measure to deter further aggression and protect Ukrainian civilians.
Guest 2: The involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict is concerning from a global security perspective. It highlights Russia’s desperation to gain territorial control over Ukraine and underscores the need for a strong international response. The use of long-range missiles against these troops is justified and necessary to counteract this growing threat. It remains to be seen how
