image captionThe United States has approved the use of ATACMS missiles against targets inside RussiaArticle related information
- Reporter, Pauline Cola
- Reporter, BBC News
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2 hours ago
Russian authorities said they would take a “corresponding and visible response” if Ukraine used U.S. long-range missiles.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that a long-range attack targeting inside Russian territory “would mean that the United States and its satellite countries (allies) will directly intervene in hostilities against Russia.”
With two months left in his term, U.S. President Joe Biden approved the use of missiles against targets within Russia, bringing about a major change in U.S. policy.
It is unknown whether this was discussed with the next president-elect, Donald Trump, or whether Trump, who pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war, will stick to the decision.
Ukraine possesses the American ATACMS surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of 300 km, and the French and British Stormshadow missiles, which have a similar range. However, Western allies have prevented Ukraine from striking Russia with the missiles.
With the 1,000th day since the outbreak of the Russo-Russian war on the 19th, Biden’s decision to allow missiles is an important phase in this war.
Russia began an all-out war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Since then, with the two sides in a stalemate, Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the United States’ decision was made after about 10,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in the Kursk region of Russia. Currently, the Kursk region has been secured by the Ukrainian military and is occupying some territory.
According to reports, North Korea could send up to 100,000 soldiers to Russia, in addition to artillery and other weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the 17th that “the missiles will show it directly,” implying that there may be no official announcement from the United States.
There is a possibility that Ukraine will first use ATACMS in the Kursk region of Russia, where North Korean troops are dispatched. According to some reports, by authorizing the use of missiles limited to that area, the United States may be sending a signal to North Korea to stop supporting Russia.
Biden has approved the use of long-range missiles, and Britain and France could make similar decisions. This is believed to be the West sending a signal to Russian leaders that the war in Ukraine cannot be won militarily.
Putin did not comment on the latest move.
Last September, Putin said that Ukraine’s use of the missiles would result in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries “directly intervening” in the war.
On the 18th, Putin’s spokesman said the United States was “pouring fuel on the fire.”
However, U.S. National Security Advisor John Finer said the U.S. “has made it clear to Russia that we will respond” to the presence of North Korean troops and a “major escalation” of Russian airstrikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Last weekend, Russia attacked Ukraine’s power grid, causing a large-scale power outage. There were several casualties.
On the 18th, 10 people were killed and about 50 injured in a Russian attack on Odessa.
Donald Trump has so far not reacted to Biden’s decision.
Trump, who won the presidential election on November 5, is scheduled to re-enter the White House on January 20.
Trump promised to stop U.S. involvement in other countries’ wars and to use taxes collected in the U.S. to improve the lives of the American people.
He also said he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but did not specify specific methods.
Zelenskyy recently said Trump would likely exert pressure next year to get Ukraine and Russia to agree to a peace deal.
What implications does the US approval for ATACMS missiles have for NATO’s strategy in Eastern Europe and its relationship with Russia?
Sure, I’d be happy to help. Here are some questions about the topic for the interview:
1. Can you please provide more information about the significance of the US approving the use of ATACMS missiles against targets inside Russia? What does this mean for the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia?
2. How might Russia respond to this decision? What measures could they take and how might they escalate the situation?
3. What is the potential impact of North Korea potentially sending up to 100,0000 soldiers to support Russia in the conflict? What message is the West sending to Putin by permitting this deployment?
4. In what ways do you think the use of missiles could potentially change the dynamics of the war? What challenges might arise from limiting their deployment to specific regions?
5. What concerns do you have about the potential for escalation in the conflict, both regionally and globally? How can we mitigate these risks?
6. How have the views of presidents Biden and Trump differed in regards to the conflict, and what impact do you think their leadership styles have had on the conflict’s progression?
7. What role does the United States play in the broader geopolitical context of this conflict, given its alliances with Ukraine and other NATO countries? How might this change under a new administration?
8. How do you think the shift in US policy could affect the broader goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war? What conditions need to be present for a peaceful resolution to be achieved?
