President Joe Biden has approved the use of long-range U.S. weapons by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russian territory, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy.
According to a report by The Washington Post, this decision overturns Biden’s previous stance, where he had assured Americans that such actions would not be permitted to avoid escalating the conflict.
The move comes amid growing concerns over North Korean involvement in the ongoing war.
Reports indicate that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russian forces along Ukraine’s northern border, sparking fears that additional units could soon follow.
This new development has intensified the pressure on the Biden administration to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
With this new authorization, Ukraine is now permitted to utilize the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for strikes within Russian territory.
These long-range missiles have been a critical request from Ukraine for months, as the country seeks to increase its capacity to hit strategic targets deep inside Russia.
However, until now, the Biden administration had opposed granting permission, citing fears of a potential escalation and broader conflict implications.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that using U.S. weapons to strike Russian targets would be considered an act of war.
The shift in U.S. policy comes at a pivotal time, as President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in just two months. Trump has consistently indicated a desire to reduce U.S. involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, emphasizing his goal of brokering a peace deal swiftly.
He has repeatedly stated that he aims to negotiate an end to the war within 24 hours of assuming office, signaling a stark contrast to the current administration’s approach.
According to sources from The Washington Post, U.S. officials believe that the decision to supply ATACMS to Ukraine is part of a strategy to strengthen Kyiv’s position ahead of potential peace talks when Trump takes office.
The Biden administration is reportedly aiming to ensure that Ukraine is in the best possible stance for negotiations and is working to expedite the delivery of remaining approved U.S. aid in the interim.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a meeting with European leaders in Brussels, highlighted the urgency of maximizing U.S. support for Ukraine before the change in administration.
“President Biden is committed to ensuring that every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door between now and January 20th,” Blinken remarked, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to fully utilize available resources to support Ukraine during this critical period.
🚨#BREAKING: Anthony Blinken states, "Every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door (to Ukraine) between now and January 20th.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) November 14, 2024
You wanna know why #WNC is angry? This is why.
Our roads are destroyed.
No clean water.
Business are closing.
WE need the help! pic.twitter.com/ItlNGj5K9P
This policy change marks a dramatic turn in the U.S. approach to the Ukraine conflict, raising questions about potential repercussions and setting the stage for a complex transition as Trump prepares to take office with promises of rapid peace negotiations.