US President Joe Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to utilize potent long-range American weapons within Russian territory, as confirmed by two US officials familiar with the decision. This move comes amidst a critical juncture in the conflict, which has persisted for nearly 1,000 days.
The decision by Biden arrives as Moscow has deployed close to 50,000 troops to Kursk, a southern Russian region where Kyiv initiated a surprise counteroffensive in the summer, aiming to reclaim lost territory. The authorized weapons, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), are primarily designated for use in Kursk at present, with the intention to prevent Russia from seizing Kursk as a potential bargaining chip in future peace negotiations.
ATACMS are high-speed ballistic missiles capable of reaching deeper into Russian territory compared to other Ukrainian missiles. The exact quantity of ATACMS available to Kyiv remains undisclosed, but estimates suggest that around 250 Russian military targets fall within the range of these missiles, as per the Institute for the Study of War.
Reacting to the authorization, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the Biden administration, alleging that the move aims to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Peskov echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin's previous statements, warning that permitting Ukraine to deploy US weapons within Russia could be interpreted as an act of war by NATO countries against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that the 'missiles will speak for themselves,' emphasizing the significance of enhancing the long-range capabilities of the Ukrainian military as part of his 'Victory Plan' to secure success in the ongoing war. Zelensky had been advocating for US approval to utilize its weaponry for strikes inside Russia.
Recent reports indicate that a Russian missile attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa resulted in at least eight fatalities and 39 injuries. Zelensky visited troops stationed in Pokrovsk, a strategically vital city in the eastern Donbas region, amidst mounting pressure from Russian forces along Ukraine's eastern frontlines.
