In a significant policy reversal, the Biden administration has approved Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made weapons to conduct strikes deep into Russian territory, U.S. officials and sources familiar with the decision confirmed on Sunday. The move comes amidst escalating tensions, including reports of North Korean troops bolstering Russian forces.
Ukraine is poised to carry out its first long-range attacks in the coming days, with U.S.-supplied ATACMS rockets likely to be deployed. These rockets have a range of up to 190 miles (306 kilometers), allowing Ukrainian forces to target military infrastructure far beyond their border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his nightly address, refrained from providing specifics but said, “Strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced.”
The decision follows reports of more than 10,000 North Korean troops being deployed to assist Russian forces, primarily in the Kursk region, where they have reportedly engaged in combat operations. This development has alarmed both Washington and Kyiv, with U.S. officials describing the troop movements as a major escalation by Moscow.
The Kremlin has not issued an official response but has previously warned that loosening restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S. weapons would be seen as a severe escalation. Russian lawmakers issued stark warnings, with Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, stating on Telegram that such actions could result in "complete ruins" for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski praised the U.S. decision as a necessary response to North Korean involvement and Russian missile strikes. However, fears remain among NATO allies that deep strikes into Russian territory could provoke retaliation or even nuclear escalation.
This policy shift comes just two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20, 2025. Trump has been critical of the scale of U.S. aid to Ukraine and has pledged to end the war swiftly, though he has yet to elaborate on his strategy. Richard Grenell, one of Trump’s key foreign policy advisers, criticized the Biden administration for escalating the conflict in its final weeks.
Despite these concerns, some congressional Republicans welcomed the decision as long overdue, citing Ukraine’s need for a stronger position in potential peace negotiations.
Analysts are divided on the impact of the decision. While some see it as a necessary step to counter Russian advances, others argue it has come too late. "Removing targeting restrictions will allow the Ukrainians to stop fighting with one hand tied behind their back," said Alex Plitsas of the Atlantic Council.
Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory may shift the dynamics of the conflict and pressure Moscow to reconsider its strategy. However, with Russian forces making significant gains and North Korean troops adding to Ukraine's challenges, the war’s trajectory remains uncertain.
As Kyiv prepares to utilize this new capability, the international community watches closely, wary of the potential for further escalation.