Biden/ Ukraine missiles/ ATACMS/ Russia warning/ North Korean troops/ NATO escalation/ Newslooks/ MOSCOW/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden’s decision to let Ukraine strike Russian targets with U.S.-made long-range missiles has drawn sharp warnings from Moscow, muted reactions from Kyiv, and mixed responses from NATO allies. As the war nears its 1,000-day mark, Russia faces growing pressure on multiple fronts, including Ukrainian resistance and international scrutiny over North Korean troop deployments.
Russia’s Reaction to Biden’s Decision: Quick Looks
- Escalation Fears: Moscow warns that allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. weapons could “change the nature of the conflict dramatically.”
- Civilian Casualties: Russian missile strikes in Sumy and Odesa killed at least 19 people, highlighting the ongoing civilian toll.
- Ukraine’s Response: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remained tight-lipped, saying, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
- Global Reactions: NATO allies offered cautious support, while some Russian officials threatened escalatory measures, invoking fears of broader conflict.
- North Korean Troops: Recent reports of North Korean troops bolstering Russian forces add a new dimension to the conflict.
Russia Issues Dire Warning Over Ukraine’s U.S.-Made Long-Range Strikes
Deep Look
President Joe Biden’s authorization for Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory using U.S.-supplied long-range missiles has escalated tensions in the nearly three-year-old conflict. The decision, long sought by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comes amid Russia’s intensifying military campaign and controversial support from North Korean troops.
Why Biden’s Decision Matters
The green light for Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) marks a major shift in U.S. policy. Previously, the Biden administration hesitated to permit such strikes, citing fears of escalating the conflict into a direct NATO-Russia confrontation.
While the specifics of the revised guidelines remain unclear, the change underscores Washington’s response to increasing threats, including Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk border region. U.S., NATO, and South Korean intelligence confirm the presence of thousands of North Korean troops aiding Moscow, raising alarm among Western nations.
Russia’s Sharp Warnings
The Kremlin responded with ominous warnings. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov referenced President Vladimir Putin’s previous statements that targeting Russian soil with NATO weapons would transform the conflict into direct warfare between Moscow and the West.
“This fundamentally changes the modality of their involvement in the conflict,” Peskov said, reiterating claims that Western countries are providing targeting support to Ukraine.
Russian state media amplified the rhetoric, with officials calling Biden’s move a step toward “World War III.” Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov labeled the decision a “provocation,” and Kremlin-backed newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta warned NATO nations of “great pain” if they continued to escalate involvement.
Civilian Toll Rises Amid Missile Strikes
The policy shift comes as Russian forces intensify missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. In Sumy, a cluster munitions attack on a residential area killed 11 people, including two children, and injured 84 others. Hours later, missiles struck apartment blocks in Odesa, killing at least eight more and injuring 18, including a child.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and called out world leaders for engaging in negotiations with Putin, referencing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent call with the Russian president.
“This is the answer to everyone who tried to achieve something with Putin through talks, phone calls, hugs, and appeasement,” Zelenskyy said.
Muted Response from Kyiv
Although Ukraine has long sought permission to use U.S. long-range missiles against Russian territory, Zelenskyy offered a subdued response to the decision.
“Strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves,” he said.
Military analysts suggest Zelenskyy’s restraint signals a strategic approach, as Ukraine aims to avoid provoking further Russian escalation while maximizing its operational capabilities with the new weapons.
Global Allies React
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from NATO allies. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis welcomed the move cautiously, saying, “It’s a step in the right direction,” but noted that more details were needed.
Margus Tsahkna, Estonia’s foreign minister, echoed support, emphasizing the gravity of the situation:
“No restrictions must be placed on military support. The situation is more serious than it was a couple of months ago.”
However, President-elect Donald Trump’s impending administration casts uncertainty on the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Trump has vowed to quickly end the war, raising fears that his approach may favor concessions to Russia.
North Korea’s Role in the Conflict
Complicating the dynamics further is North Korea’s growing involvement. Intelligence reports indicate Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to assist Russia, along with munitions to replenish dwindling stockpiles.
North Korean forces are believed to be positioned near the Kursk border region, where they aim to help Moscow reclaim lost territory. The development signals a deeper alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang, raising new concerns among Western powers about the conflict’s global implications.
What’s Next?
As the war nears its 1,000th day, Biden’s decision to expand Ukraine’s missile capabilities introduces a volatile new chapter. The coming weeks will test the durability of international alliances and the resolve of both Ukraine and Russia as the stakes grow higher.
