U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles ATACMS against targets in Russia for the first time.
This was reported by The New York Times.
According to officials, the long-range missiles will likely be used initially to defend Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
Can Ukraine strike Russian territory with Western weapons: allies' stance (updated)There are increasing calls to permit Ukraine to use Western weapons against targets in Russia. Allies' position is illustrated in the infographic.The publication notes that Biden's decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy. This choice has divided his advisors and comes just two months before the inauguration of newly elected President Donald Trump, who has promised to limit further aid to Ukraine.
Officials stated that the authorization for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles was a response to Russia's unexpected decision to deploy North Korean troops in combat operations.
They also mentioned that while they do not expect a dramatic change in the course of the war, one objective of the policy shift is to signal to North Korea that they should refrain from sending more troops.
Officials indicated that although Ukrainians will likely first use the missiles against Russian and North Korean forces threatening Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, Biden may allow them to use this weapon in other areas as well.
NYT highlights that Russian military forces are preparing to launch a large-scale offensive with approximately 50,000 soldiers, including North Korean troops. In such a scenario, the Ukrainian Armed Forces could use ATACMS missiles to strike concentrations of Russian and North Korean troops, key military equipment, logistics hubs, ammunition depots, and supply lines deep within Russian territory.
As is known, The Pentagon is delaying the transfer of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, fearing a depletion of its strategic reserves due to increased arms shipments to other countries.
It should be noted that the United Kingdom was awaiting U.S. approval to allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike Russia.
At the same time, U.S. intelligence warns of a "powerful response" from Russia to the authorization to strike deep into its territory.