The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to attack Russian soil with US-made long-range ATACMS missiles. The decision has already raised tensions between Moscow and Washington.
The new decision allows Ukraine to target Russian military positions. In particular, this permission would allow Ukraine to attack Russia's Kursk region. A significant number of Russian and North Korean troops are currently stationed in the region.
Earlier, the US sent ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, but they were limited to use only in Ukrainian-controlled areas. But now that it has been authorized to strike on Russian soil, Kiev has gained a new strategic advantage in the ongoing war. Using this power they now seek to slow Russian advances and disrupt Russian supply systems.
The latest decision by the Biden administration comes in the wake of growing pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In recent days, he has repeatedly requested Western allies to approve the use of long-range missiles.
In an article, Al Jazeera reported that the US took the new step as a result of Russia's military activity in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian army entered the Russian territory earlier this year. Later, North Korean troops were also deployed to support the Russian forces in the region.
The US-supplied ATACMS missiles to Ukraine are capable of hitting targets up to 190 miles away. If so, this weapon will strengthen Ukraine's hand in the ongoing war.
The Kremlin, however, strongly condemned the US decision. They claimed that the US was directly involved in the ongoing war through the new decision. Putin's office has also commented on the matter as an incitement to prevent the third world war.
US officials believe the new move could give Ukraine an advantage in any peace talks in the coming days as Moscow continues to launch heavy missile and drone strikes into Ukraine.
Not just the US – other US allies, including the UK, France, are also considering providing similar support to Ukraine. Some reports claim that France will soon allow Ukraine to use its own long-range missiles.
