President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-provided long-range weapons inside Russia for limited strikes, specifically permitting the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). This decision was made in response to North Korea deploying troops to support Russian forces fighting Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Initially resistant due to concerns about the limited stockpile and success with other assets, the U.S. has now allowed the use of ATACMS in areas where Russian and North Korean troops are concentrated. This shift in policy comes after the Biden administration condemned the North Korean deployment as a potential expansion of the conflict.
In May, Biden had already given Ukraine permission to use American weapons to strike Russia near the border, but Ukraine was previously prohibited from using longer-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. This policy change marks a departure from previous U.S. stance, as President-elect Donald Trump has indicated a desire to limit support for Ukraine.
The U.S. has been a crucial source of aid for Ukraine, providing $175 billion in support, which has been vital for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Recent Russian missile attacks in Ukraine have caused casualties and significant damage, underscoring the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s resistance against Russia. Both the Pentagon and the White House declined to comment on the authorization of ATACMS for Ukraine.
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