President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized Ukraine to use American-made long-range missiles against targets inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. This decision, made just weeks before Biden leaves office, comes in response to Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The Kremlin has condemned the move as a direct provocation, warning of heightened tensions and potential global consequences.
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), supplied by the U.S., allows Ukrainian forces to strike targets up to 190 miles away. Initially sent to Ukraine earlier this year, their use was previously restricted to areas within Ukraine’s borders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long advocated for the ability to target Russian supply chains and troop concentrations, particularly in the Kursk region, where North Korean soldiers have reportedly bolstered Russian forces. Ukrainian forces launched incursions into Kursk in August, seizing key settlements, and are now poised to use ATACMS to disrupt enemy operations further.
The White House has yet to comment on the shift, but the decision aligns with months of Ukrainian lobbying. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Kyiv in September, signaling growing Western support for expanded Ukrainian capabilities. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy hinted at forthcoming strikes, stating, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
The Kremlin has sharply criticized the U.S. decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing Washington of stoking the conflict, stating “It is obvious that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps to continue adding fuel to the fire and continue to provoke tension around this conflict.”
Russian lawmakers, including Maria Butina, have warned of the risk of escalating the war into a global conflict. President Vladimir Putin previously cautioned the West against permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russian territory, asserting it would compel Moscow to reassess its strategy.
The Biden administration’s decision also raises questions about future U.S. policy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January. Trump campaigned on a pledge to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war and has criticized the U.S. military’s involvement. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., accused the military-industrial complex of pushing for escalation, adding to uncertainty about continued American support for Ukraine.
North Korea’s reported deployment of 12,000 troops to support Russian forces adds another layer of complexity. U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean officials have accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons to Moscow. In response, Ukrainian forces may use ATACMS to target concentrations of North Korean and Russian troops in Kursk, as well as critical supply chains.
As the conflict intensifies, France and the UK, which have supplied Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, may also consider allowing Kyiv to expand its strike range into Russian territory.
Russia’s recent large-scale missile and drone attacks, which killed 11 Ukrainians and targeted energy infrastructure, underline the war’s growing intensity. With both sides preparing for winter offensives, the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine could shift the dynamics of the conflict, potentially influencing future peace negotiations.
