A Significant Policy Shift
In a major policy reversal, President Joe Biden’s administration has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russia. This decision, confirmed by two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the matter, marks a significant shift in Washington’s stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Ukraine’s Strategic Plans
Ukraine is poised to launch its first long-range attacks in the coming days, although specific details remain under wraps due to operational security concerns. This move comes just two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20, following months of persistent requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to use U.S. weapons against Russian military targets far from Ukraine’s borders.
Response to Russian Actions
The policy change is largely a reaction to Russia’s deployment of North Korean ground troops to bolster its forces, a development that has raised alarms in both Washington and Kyiv. The White House and the State Department have declined to comment, and there has been no immediate response from the Ukrainian foreign ministry or president’s office.
Potential Escalation
Russia has warned that loosening the restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons would be seen as a major escalation. Ukraine’s initial deep strikes are expected to be carried out using ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles (306 km).
Strategic Implications
While some U.S. officials are skeptical about the impact of long-range strikes on the overall trajectory of the war, the decision could provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage. This move might help Ukraine counter Russian advances and strengthen its position in potential ceasefire negotiations.
Trump’s Stance
It remains unclear whether President-elect Trump will reverse Biden’s decision once he takes office. Trump has consistently criticized the extent of U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine and has promised to end the war quickly, though he has not detailed his plans.
Political Reactions
Richard Grenell, one of Trump’s closest foreign policy advisers, criticized the decision, accusing Biden of escalating the conflict before leaving office. Some congressional Republicans had also urged Biden to relax the rules on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided weapons.
North Korean Involvement
The U.S. believes that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to eastern Russia, with many engaging in combat operations in the Kursk region. Despite heavy losses, Russia is advancing at its fastest rate since 2022, and Ukraine has reported clashes with North Korean troops.
Expert Opinions
Alex Plitsas, a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, commented that removing targeting restrictions would allow Ukraine to fight more effectively. However, he believes the decision came too late, similar to the delayed provision of other military equipment like ATACMS, HIMARS, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Abrams Tanks, and F-16s.
International Concerns
Despite Zelenskiy’s pleas, the White House had been hesitant to allow U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for strikes deep inside Russia, fearing it could escalate the conflict. Kyiv’s other allies have also imposed restrictions on how and when their supplied weapons can be used inside Russia to avoid provoking a broader conflict.
Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, noted that Biden’s decision was a response to North Korea’s involvement and the massive Russian missile strikes.
