Outgoing US President Signals Policy Shift on Ukraine
In a significant departure from previous policy, outgoing US President Joe Biden has reportedly approved Ukraine’s use of US-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Sources familiar with the matter, including two US officials, revealed to Reuters that Ukraine plans to launch long-range attacks in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at the development during his evening address, stating, “The missiles will speak for themselves,” without explicitly confirming the reports.
The approval is seen as a notable escalation in the conflict, with Kyiv expected to deploy US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 190 miles (306km).
Allied Nations Back Decision, Russia Warns of Retaliation
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski welcomed the move, calling it a response in “a language that Putin understands.” Meanwhile, Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov warned that such actions could lead to a third world war, with Russia prepared to respond “immediately.”
Reports also suggest that the UK and France may follow suit, allowing their long-range missiles to be used by Ukraine in Russian-occupied territories such as Kursk, according to Le Figaro.
Policy Shift Comes Ahead of Trump Administration
Biden’s decision comes as he nears the end of his presidency, with President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20. Trump’s administration has signaled skepticism over continued heavy support for Ukraine, raising questions about whether the policy will endure.
Trump has promised to “end the war quickly” without detailing his approach. Analysts believe Moscow views Trump as a more favorable negotiator who might push Kyiv to cede territory currently held by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Escalating Tensions Amid Stalemate
The policy shift reflects growing pressure on the Biden administration as momentum in the war appears to favor Russia. North Korea’s deployment of thousands of soldiers to assist Russian forces has further complicated Ukraine’s efforts to regain lost ground.
The White House has yet to comment officially on the reports, but the decision marks a significant escalation that risks intensifying the conflict between NATO-backed Ukraine and Russia.