President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russian territory. These powerful weapons, with a range of 300km, mark a significant upgrade in Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The decision appears specifically focused on defensive operations in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces currently maintain positions. This move comes as a response to reports of North Korean troops joining Russian forces in the area.
What makes this significant:
- ATACMS missiles are hard to intercept due to their high speed
- The authorization could open doors for similar support from UK and France
- It represents a dramatic change in US policy regarding weapon use beyond Ukraine’s borders
The timing is crucial, as Ukrainian officials report an expected offensive by combined Russian and North Korean forces in the Kursk region. While some view this as a strategic escalation, Ukraine’s military leadership sees it as a move toward equalizing forces on the battlefield.
Russia’s initial response has been cautious, though senior Kremlin officials describe it as a serious escalation. Previously, Putin warned that such moves could be seen as direct NATO involvement in the conflict.
This development suggests a new phase in Western military support for Ukraine, potentially influencing future peace negotiations and regional security dynamics.
When it’s coming, it’s doing. We should expect another world war in 2025