Outgoing United States President Joe Biden is reportedly permitting Ukraine to utilize American-supplied weapons to launch strikes inside Russian territory. This development signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and has been reported by various reputable outlets, including Reuters and the Associated Press.
Sources familiar with the situation, which include two US officials, indicate that Ukraine is set to conduct long-range attacks in the coming days. While the White House has not publicly confirmed these reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed confidence that the forthcoming missile strikes will demonstrate their resolve without the need for extensive verbal announcements.
In an evening address, Zelenskyy noted, “Strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves,” reflecting a determined stance as Ukraine prepares for significant actions against Russia. The Polish Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, commended the US decision, suggesting that it is a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a manner that he can comprehend.
On the other hand, Russian officials have issued warnings regarding this policy shift, with lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov asserting that allowing Ukraine to target Russia could provoke a global conflict. He predicted that any such action would elicit an immediate response from Moscow.
As the Biden administration prepares for a transition of power to President-elect Donald Trump, there are questions surrounding future US involvement in the conflict. Trump and his administration are perceived as potentially less supportive of ongoing assistance to Ukraine. While promising to swiftly resolve the conflict, Trump has provided few details on how he intends to achieve this objective.
Ukraine is likely to employ US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for these operations, which boast a range of up to 190 miles. President Zelenskyy had been advocating for permission to strike deep within Russian territory as part of a broader strategy to counter the significant military presence and maneuvers from Russia across various regions.
This policy shift by Biden marks a significant escalation in the US’s role in the conflict, delineating a renewed commitment to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. Historically, Biden had hesitated in permitting the direct use of US weapons against Russia, due to concerns regarding potential direct involvement of the United States and NATO allies in the war. However, the dynamics of the conflict have shifted, prompting a reassessment of American strategy in light of ongoing hostilities.
With northern support from allies and a determined Ukrainian government, this new phase allows Kyiv to enhance its military capabilities as it confronts the evolving challenges posed by Russian aggression.
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