Outgoing US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia.
The decision, reported by The New York Times and based on information from anonymous US officials, marks a remarkable shift in Washington’s policy that could have far-reaching consequences for the war in Ukraine.
According to the report, Ukraine has been authorised to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to attack Russian forces, and alleged North Korean troops, in the Kursk region. The White House has not yet commented publicly on the matter.
ATACMS missiles can be fired from the HIMARS mobile rocket artillery system, which Ukraine has had access to since 2022. With a range of 300 kilometres and the ability to travel at supersonic speeds, these weapons can strike deep into Russian territory.
For the first time, the Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ballistic missiles for attacks inside Russia, American officials say, marking a major policy shift. Here’s what to know. https://t.co/nPpyMmB9N7
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 18, 2024
Escalation
So far, the use of US weapons has been limited to what Washington considers to be Ukrainian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that attacks on internationally recognised parts of Russia with US weapons would be interpreted as a direct intervention by NATO in the conflict. He has also signalled that this could lead to serious consequences, including retaliation against Western interests.
Did #Biden just start World War III before leaving office?
Authorizing long-range attacks deep into Russia could mean #NATO is now in a direct war.#Russia #POTUS #UkraineRussiaWar #WW3 #WWIII #Ukraine #LongRange #ATACMS #NuclearWar pic.twitter.com/XCVFZ1zp2d
— Michael Krachan (@ABionicMike) November 17, 2024
According to the New York Times, the decision has caused divisions within Biden’s administration. Some advisers see it as a necessary step to counter Moscow’s military moves, while others warn that it could further escalate tensions and risk a wider conflict.
