Biden’s green light for Ukraine to strike inside Russia with U.S. missiles ignites a new phase in the conflict, as NATO allies rush to bolster Ukraine’s arsenal.
At a Glance
- President Biden authorizes Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against targets in Russia
- NATO members, led by UK and France, prepare to send more weapons to Ukraine
- Russia deploys North Korean troops to reinforce its war efforts in Ukraine
- Germany maintains its cautious approach, declining to provide long-range weapons
- Russian spokesperson criticizes the decision as increased U.S. involvement in the conflict
Biden’s Bold Move Shifts Conflict Dynamics
In a significant escalation of U.S. support for Ukraine, President Joe Biden has authorized the use of American-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. This decision, announced on November 17, marks a dramatic shift in policy and removes previous restrictions that limited Ukraine’s ability to use these weapons against Russian soil. The move comes as a response to Russia’s increased aggression, including the deployment of 50,000 troops to the southern region of Kursk, near Ukraine’s northern border.
The decision has been met with approval from European NATO leaders, who view it as a necessary response to Russian escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron praised the move, stating, “Russia is the only power that made an escalatory decision … it’s really this break that led to the U.S. decision.” However, the Kremlin has sharply criticized this development, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing it as “a qualitatively new situation in terms of the involvement of the United States in this conflict.”
NATO Allies Bolster Ukraine’s Arsenal
Following Biden’s decision, NATO members, particularly the United Kingdom and France, are preparing to send additional weapons to Ukraine. These military packages include Storm Shadow missiles, which boast a range of 500 kilometers and carry 450 kg warheads. This substantial increase in Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities represents a significant boost to its defensive and offensive capabilities against Russian forces.
The new policy also allows missiles made with U.S. technology in France and the UK to be used by Ukraine within Russian borders, previously requiring U.S. authorization. This change in stance reflects the growing consensus among NATO allies that more robust support for Ukraine is necessary to counter Russian aggression.
Russia’s Escalation and North Korean Support
As the conflict intensifies, reports indicate that Russia has deployed North Korean troops to reinforce its war efforts in Ukraine. This alarming development suggests that Russia is struggling to maintain its military strength and is resorting to external support to continue its campaign. The involvement of North Korean forces not only raises concerns about the potential for further escalation but also highlights the international dimensions of this conflict.
In addition to troop deployments, Russia has launched significant drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and resulting in civilian casualties. These aggressive actions have only strengthened the resolve of Ukraine and its allies to resist Russian aggression.
Germany’s Cautious Stance Amid NATO Unity
While most NATO members are increasing their support for Ukraine, Germany remains an outlier. The German government has maintained its policy of not providing long-range missiles to Ukraine, adhering to stricter conditions on its military aid. A spokesperson for the German government stated, “There are certain limits for the chancellor (Olaf Scholz),” highlighting the country’s more cautious approach to the conflict.
This divergence in policy among NATO allies underscores the complex diplomatic challenges surrounding the conflict. While there is a growing consensus on the need to support Ukraine more robustly, individual nations continue to navigate their own political and strategic considerations.
The Road Ahead: Escalation and Its Consequences
With the U.S. having provided over $56.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the stakes continue to rise. As NATO allies prepare to send more advanced weapons, including long-range missiles, to Ukraine, the possibility of a protracted and increasingly dangerous conflict looms large. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this escalation leads to a resolution or a further intensification of hostilities.
