WASHINGTON — The U.S. has made a big change in its support for Ukraine. President Joe Biden’s administration has decided to allow Ukraine to use American-made weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. This marks a shift from the earlier policy, where Ukraine could only use U.S. weapons close to its own borders.
Ukraine Prepares for First Long-Range Strikes
According to U.S. officials, Ukraine is planning to carry out its first long-range attacks in the coming days. The exact targets and timing are kept secret for security reasons. This decision comes after months of requests from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who asked for permission to hit Russian military targets farther from Ukraine’s border.
The change in policy was largely due to the involvement of North Korean troops who are now fighting alongside Russian forces. The presence of these foreign soldiers has raised concerns in both Washington and Kyiv.
Tensions Grow Between Russia and the U.S.
In response to the new policy, Russian officials have warned that this could escalate the conflict. Some even suggested it might lead to “World War Three.” Russia’s government views any attack inside its territory as a major escalation in the war, and they’ve threatened serious consequences.
The U.S. has not yet commented on how this might affect their relationship with Russia. The Kremlin has not issued an immediate response, but they are expected to be very upset about this move.
ATACMS Rockets to Be Used for Strikes
Ukraine’s first deep strikes are expected to use ATACMS rockets, which can travel up to 190 miles (306 kilometers). These long-range missiles can target Russian military positions far behind the front lines, giving Ukraine a chance to strike more effectively.
Some U.S. officials are unsure whether these strikes will change the overall course of the war. However, they believe it could help Ukraine by putting more pressure on Russia and possibly improving Ukraine’s position if peace talks happen in the future.
Debate in the U.S. About Support for Ukraine
President Biden’s decision comes just months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Trump has criticized the amount of U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine and has vowed to end the war quickly. Some Republican lawmakers had urged Biden to allow Ukraine to use these weapons for long-range attacks, saying it was necessary to help Ukraine fight more effectively.
However, others think that the U.S. was too slow to approve this decision, and some believe that more weapons should have been sent to Ukraine earlier.
Why the Change Was Needed
Ukraine has been fighting Russian forces for nearly a year, and while Ukraine has gained some ground, Russia has been advancing rapidly in recent months. The U.S. believes that Russia has deployed more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers to help with the fighting in eastern Russia. This has led to concerns in Ukraine that the war could become even more difficult.
By removing restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons, Ukraine will have more freedom to defend itself. Some experts believe that while this step is helpful, it should have come sooner.
A Global Response to North Korea’s Involvement
Other countries, like Poland, have also supported the U.S. decision, saying it was a response to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. As tensions rise, many believe that the U.S. is finally taking stronger action to help Ukraine, especially after Russia’s recent missile strikes.
This decision could change the way the war plays out in the coming months, but only time will tell if it will help Ukraine achieve victory or bring the conflict to an end.
