Biden/ ATACMS/ Ukraine missiles/ Russia war/ North Korea troops/ Zelenskyy/ Trump Ukraine aid/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles for strikes deeper into Russian territory, a significant escalation as Russia deploys thousands of North Korean troops. The decision, long requested by Ukraine, follows the election of Donald Trump, raising uncertainty about the U.S.’s future support for Kyiv.
Biden’s ATACMS Approval: Quick Looks
- Long-Range Strikes Authorized: President Biden approves Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided ATACMS missiles for deeper strikes into Russia.
- North Korean Troops in Russia: The move comes as Moscow deploys thousands of North Korean soldiers to bolster its war efforts.
- Zelenskyy’s Response: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refrains from direct commentary, saying, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
- Rising Civilian Toll: Russia’s recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure have killed dozens and intensified winter fears.
- Trump’s Election Impact: President-elect Donald Trump’s victory raises questions about the continuation of U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
Biden Approves Ukraine Strikes Inside Russia with U.S. ATACMS Missiles
Deep Look
President Joe Biden has made the critical decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for deeper strikes into Russian territory, U.S. officials confirmed on Sunday. This development marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s capability to counter Russia’s ongoing invasion as North Korea strengthens Moscow’s forces with thousands of troops and munitions.
The announcement follows months of Ukrainian pleas for enhanced military options and comes as global attention focuses on President-elect Donald Trump’s impending administration. Trump has signaled uncertainty about future U.S. military aid to Ukraine, adding urgency to the Biden administration’s decision.
Why Biden Approved ATACMS for Ukraine
For nearly two years, Biden resisted calls to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons for deep strikes inside Russian territory, citing concerns about escalating the conflict. However, the dynamics shifted recently with Russia’s deployment of approximately 12,000 North Korean troops to reclaim Ukrainian-held territory near its Kursk border.
The ATACMS approval follows discussions during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, where Biden and other global leaders addressed the implications of North Korean involvement. Analysts believe Biden’s decision is a calculated response to counter Russia’s bolstered military efforts while emphasizing U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move indirectly, highlighting that Ukraine’s actions would speak louder than words.
“Strikes are not made with words,” Zelenskyy said during his nightly address. “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
The Strategic Importance of ATACMS
ATACMS missiles, capable of striking targets up to 190 miles away, offer Ukraine a significant advantage in targeting Russian military infrastructure. The missiles could force Russia to redistribute resources, disrupt supply chains, and create a deterrent for future aggression.
Despite their power, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about the limited supply of ATACMS in American stockpiles, questioning whether enough can be provided to significantly impact the battlefield.
Nevertheless, even limited strikes could have a profound psychological and strategic effect, according to military analysts.
North Korea’s Growing Role
Russia’s reliance on North Korea for military support underscores its struggles in sustaining its war effort. U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials estimate that North Korea has sent thousands of troops and significant munitions to aid Moscow.
This marks a dangerous turn in the conflict, with North Korea’s involvement further complicating the geopolitical landscape. The deployment of North Korean forces comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian cities, targeting energy infrastructure ahead of winter and causing widespread civilian casualties.
Trump’s Election Complicates U.S. Support
The timing of Biden’s decision coincides with Donald Trump’s recent election victory. Trump’s campaign statements cast doubt on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, including financial and military aid.
While Trump has promised a quick resolution to the war, many fear this could result in concessions to Russia, including territorial compromises. Ukraine’s international backers worry that Trump’s approach may weaken Ukraine’s position and embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We want peace, but a just peace,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said when asked about Biden’s decision.
Escalating Civilian Toll in Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian missile and drone strikes have killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians in recent weeks, including a devastating attack on a nine-story building in Sumy that left at least eight dead. The intensifying assaults have raised fears of another brutal winter for Ukrainian citizens, with power grids and critical infrastructure under constant threat.
Zelenskyy called on global leaders to recognize the futility of negotiations with Putin, referencing recent calls between the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“And this is the answer to everyone who tried to achieve something with Putin through talks, phone calls, hugs, and appeasement,” Zelenskyy said.
A Critical Moment for U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The Biden administration’s decision reflects the complexity of balancing support for Ukraine with avoiding direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. It also underscores the urgency of reinforcing Ukraine’s position before Trump’s administration potentially shifts U.S. policy.
America’s continued aid, totaling more than $56.2 billion since the invasion began, remains vital to Ukraine’s defense. However, with a new administration on the horizon, the future of that support hangs in the balance.
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