In a significant development, US President Joe Biden has reportedly given Ukraine the green light to use long-range US missiles to strike targets inside Russia. While this decision has not been officially announced by the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that "the missiles will speak for themselves." This move has sparked a strong response from Russia, with officials accusing Biden of "throwing oil on fire" in an already tense conflict, though President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment publicly.
The US is believed to have made this decision after Russia allowed North Korean troops to join Russian forces in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. Ukraine is expected to use the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) to strike Russian military targets inside the Kursk region, a territory that has seen ongoing skirmishes between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
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| Biden's approval for Ukraine to use US long-range missiles inside Russia raises tensions as Moscow |
Why Ukraine Wants to Strike Inside Russia
Ukraine has been pressing for the ability to target Russian territory for several months, and the timing of Biden's approval coincides with rising fears that Russia may be preparing a major offensive to reclaim the small portion of Kursk currently held by Ukraine. Ukrainian forces may use the missiles to strike Russian military bases, ammunition depots, and other strategic positions in the region.
The ATACMS, which has a range of up to 190 miles, will likely provide a tactical advantage for Ukraine, especially as Russian forces have already moved some of their air assets further inside Russia, anticipating such a move. While the supply of these missiles is not expected to be a game-changer, it could offer Ukraine some much-needed relief on the frontlines, particularly as Russian forces have been gaining ground in the east.
The use of these missiles is expected to escalate the already fraught tensions between the US and Russia. Moscow’s reaction underscores the ongoing risks of the conflict expanding beyond Ukraine’s borders. With morale among Russian troops reportedly low, Ukraine’s new long-range capabilities could serve as a crucial tool in the ongoing fight for Kursk and other contested territories.
A Dangerous Escalation
While the US’s provision of long-range missiles is seen as a strategic support measure for Ukraine, it also risks intensifying the conflict. The Kremlin has warned that such actions could provoke further retaliation, potentially expanding the scope of the war. As both sides prepare for what could be a decisive moment in the war, the international community watches closely, uncertain of how this decision will influence the trajectory of the conflict.
For now, the key question remains: will the introduction of these advanced missile systems change the balance of power on the ground, or will it only fuel further escalation? Only time will tell.
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