Biden’s decision to authorize Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against Russia marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. military support, potentially reshaping the conflict’s landscape and straining U.S.-Russia relations to the breaking point.
It’s almost as if he’s trying to start a war he won’t have to handle.
At a Glance
- President Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia
- The decision involves the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs) and marks a significant shift in U.S. policy
- Approximately 10,000 North Korean troops are aiding Russia in its war efforts
- The authorization comes just two months before President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has pledged to limit support for Ukraine, takes office
- Russia conducted a significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine, described as the largest in recent months
Biden’s Bold Move: Unleashing Long-Range Missiles
President Biden has given the green light for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep within Russian territory, potentially triggering World War Three.
This decision, involving the formidable Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs), represents a seismic shift in U.S. policy and military support for Ukraine. It’s a move that’s been long sought after by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Western allies, who have been pushing for the ability to strike deeper into Russia.
The timing of this authorization is critical, coming just two months before President-elect Donald J. Trump is set to take office. Trump has repeatedly pledged to limit support for Ukraine, raising concerns about the future of U.S. military aid to the embattled nation. This last-minute decision by the Biden administration could be seen as an attempt to solidify support for Ukraine before a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy.
Biden authorizes Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles against Russia https://t.co/1HIiENzcLP
— TIME (@TIME) November 18, 2024
The North Korean Factor: A Game-Changer in the Conflict
What’s driving this sudden change in U.S. strategy? The answer lies in an unexpected and alarming development: the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. Intelligence reports suggest that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are now aiding Russia in its war efforts and are expected to fight in Ukraine soon. This startling alliance between Russia and North Korea has forced the Biden administration to reassess its approach to the conflict.
“President Biden has authorized the first use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine for strikes inside Russia, U.S. officials said,” U.S. officials said.
The decision to allow long-range missile strikes was made after a series of high-level meetings with leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China, focusing on North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. This new development has raised the stakes significantly, transforming what was already a complex regional conflict into a potential powder keg with global implications.
Escalation and its Consequences
While this move is being hailed by some as a necessary step to counter Russian aggression, it’s not without its risks. The authorization of long-range missile strikes deep into Russian territory could lead to a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Russia, already conducting significant drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, may see this as a justification for even more aggressive actions.
“We want peace, we want fair peace,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
It’s hard to imagine peace when the United States is telling Ukraine to use its long-range missiles to strike deep inside of Russia, though, isn’t it?
The international community, including U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has emphasized the need for peace in Ukraine. However, with this latest development, the path to peace seems more treacherous than ever. The U.S. has already provided over $56.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, and this new authorization represents a significant escalation in that support.
So what now? It’s hard to say – but we do know that whatever happens will be something President Trump has to clean up, and not Joe Biden.
