Biden Greenlights Ukraine's Use of US Long-range Missiles as Allies Follow Suit

U.S Embarks on a Significant Policy Shift: Biden Permits Ukraine to Use U.S.-Delivered Long-range Missiles

In an unprecedented move, U.S. President Joe Biden has sanctioned the use of American-provided long-range ATACMS missiles by Ukraine for operations inside Russia, according to a report published by the New York Times on November 17. This critical change in U.S. policy gives Ukraine the ability to respond to threats on its soil from Russian and North Korean forces, beginning in the Kursk Oblast region. A cadre of unidentified official sources has suggested Washington could further greenlight the missile deployment in other regions. Even though specific details remain undisclosed due to operational security, unidentified U.S. officials and an insider connected to the decision have informed Reuters that Kyiv's initial round of long-range operations is imminent.

Motivations behind the Policy Change and its Implications

The move from President Biden arrives as Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean troops, mount an extensive offensive against Ukrainian troops in the contested Russian region. U.S. officials have indicated that, while this abrupt policy alteration is unlikely to 'change the overall course of the war,' it does aim to provide Ukraine with the means to target and disable critical Russian and North Korean military infrastructure. Simultaneously, it is expected to deter further escalations from Pyongyang. This change was reportedly initiated in August when Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov visited Washington and presented a list of high-value targets within Russia for the ATACMS strikes. In spite of apprehensions about escalating tensions with Russia, this marked transition in policy by Biden was widely seen as an opportunity to significantly enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly amidst increasing military challenges from Russia, which is escalating drone and missile attacks.

Green Light from the UK and France Broadens Ukraine’s Strategic Options

In a simultaneous and notable shift, France and the UK seem focused on also endorsing Ukraine's use of their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for deep retaliatory strikes within Russian territory, Le Figaro confirmed on November 17. Prior to this, Ukraine received various long-range systems from allied nations like the U.S., France, and the UK but lacked approval to deploy them on targets inside Russia due to fear of Russian backlash. The policy revisions by these three nations have been widely anticipated. Observers believe that they notably enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities in the face of Russia's intensifying offensives and air attacks. Additionally, the presidential advisor revealed that Ukraine had requested additional ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to use against military targets in Russia to create domestic tension and weaken Russian forces.

Associates of Upcoming Trump Administration Mock the Decision

Despite these strategic calculations, President-elect Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., lampooned President Biden's policy shift. The decision attracted widespread criticism from Trump Jr., who referred to the Biden administration as "imbeciles" while reposting a news article on the policy change. Elon Musk, another official from the upcoming Trump administration, similarly ridiculed Ukrainian officials. Going forward, it remains unclear whether President-elect Trump will reverse Biden's decision, as neither Trump nor his transition team have provided any comments on this subject.