President Joe Biden has lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, a recent development that signifies the country can now, for the first time, employ such US-manufactured armaments against targets within Russia.
Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the November 5 US presidential election. Just weeks before the anticipated power transition in January, Biden issued this pivotal authorization to Kyiv regarding the deployment of American long-range missiles.
The Kremlin expressed considerable consternation at Biden’s authorization, which came mere hours after Russia executed extensive missile and drone strikes on Ukraine following a prolonged period of relative calm. Moscow contends that Washington is “exacerbating the conflagration.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted that Biden’s decision signifies direct US intervention in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.
While neither the White House nor President-elect Trump has issued official statements on this matter, Donald Trump Jr., the President-elect’s son, remarked, “It appears the military establishment is determined to precipitate World War III before my father can implement his peace initiatives and preserve human lives.”
Donald Trump, set to assume presidential duties on January 20, had pledged during his campaign to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict.
This recent development naturally raises questions about the significance and ramifications of the Biden administration’s latest strategic maneuver.
Why did the US authorize long-range missile use?
The authorization is believed to be in response to Moscow’s recent deployment of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces had conducted operations in August.
As Russian forces gradually consolidate their positions and advance in eastern Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been exerting diplomatic pressure on the US, UK, and other Western allies for several months to permit the use of Western-supplied missiles against Russian targets.
Al Jazeera’s diplomatic correspondent James Bays suggests that Ukraine’s pressure stems from its desire to maintain Western support, particularly in retaining control of the captured Kursk region of Russia.
“Ukraine can now potentially employ these strategic long-range missiles to target Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk. Beyond this western Russian region, Ukraine could utilize these missiles to strike various military installations within Russia.”
According to US, Ukrainian, and South Korean officials, North Korea has deployed approximately 12,000 troops to Russia. They also allege that Pyongyang is providing military aid to Moscow.
In March, the United States covertly dispatched missiles to Ukraine. However, the Biden administration had previously withheld authorization for their use on Russian territory. Ukraine had only employed these missiles twice, targeting the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula in April.
Just nine weeks before relinquishing his presidential duties, Biden granted Ukraine permission to utilize American long-range missiles. His successor Trump has pledged to take steps to end the Ukraine war, creating uncertainty about whether the United States, Ukraine’s largest arms supplier, will maintain its military assistance.
There had been indications that the US would authorize Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles. In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Kyiv and met with Zelenskyy. Subsequently, Zelenskyy posted on X, expressing gratitude for their visit, stating, ‘They listened to Ukraine’s reasoning, which is crucial. This includes the matter of long-range weapons deployment.’
Notably, the long-range missiles supplied by the US are known as the ‘Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS),’ with a range of 300 kilometers (190 miles). Its initial development began in the 1980s.
Prior to supplying ATACMS, the US had delivered short-range missiles to Ukraine in October of the previous year.
Why are long-range missiles crucial for Ukraine?
Ukraine can potentially utilize these strategic long-range missiles to target Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk. Beyond this western Russian region, Ukraine could employ these missiles to strike various military installations within Russia.
According to The New York Times, American officials indicate that Kyiv is likely to extend its strikes to other Russian regions surrounding Kursk.
In August, Ukrainian forces captured approximately 1,000 square kilometers encompassing 28 settlements in Kursk. Reports suggest North Korean troops have been deployed near Kursk.
Timothy Ash, Associate Fellow at Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Programme, stated, ‘Ukraine needs to target Russia’s weapons and troop supply lines, which is impossible with their current missile systems.’
Ash suggests that the Biden administration’s decision might also aim to strengthen Ukraine’s future negotiating position.
Moscow has responded with indignation to the Biden administration’s decision, warning it will escalate current tensions. The Kremlin has threatened appropriate retaliation if Ukraine employs American long-range missiles against Russian territory.
Russian lawmaker Maria Butina told Reuters that this US decision risks triggering global conflict. Two months ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned about the consequences of using such American long-range missiles.
Putin told Russian state media, ‘If this occurs, remember that the nature of this conflict will change. We will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that emerge for us.’
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