In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to utilise US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) to conduct strikes deeper within Russian territory. This decision, reported by a senior US official and corroborated by multiple sources, represents a marked escalation in the West’s support for Kyiv as it contends with Russia’s intensified military manoeuvres.
The announcement comes amidst reports that Russia has enlisted thousands of North Korean troops to bolster its forces along Ukraine’s northern border, aiming to regain territories lost to Ukrainian counter-offensives. The introduction of North Korean reinforcements signals an evolving complexity in the conflict, heightening international tensions further.
A Measured Response from Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered a restrained response, emphasising action over rhetoric. “Strikes are not made with words,” he remarked in his nightly address, underscoring Ukraine’s readiness to deploy the advanced weaponry without fanfare.
Zelenskyy’s comments followed a brutal Russian missile attack on a residential building in Sumy, near the Russian border, which left at least eight civilians dead. Concurrently, Moscow launched a large-scale drone and missile assault targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a grim reminder of its strategy to cripple Ukraine’s utilities ahead of winter.
Reversing Constraints on Weapons
The Biden administration’s previous reluctance to permit Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil stemmed from concerns over potential escalation with a nuclear-armed Russia. Critics within NATO have argued that these limitations hindered Ukraine’s ability to deter attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
The provision of ATACMs reflects a strategic recalibration, with a focus on countering Russia’s recent military reinforcements. Observers believe that even limited strikes deeper inside Russia could disrupt its operational planning and force redeployments, potentially weakening its frontlines.
North Korea’s Growing Role
The decision comes against the backdrop of North Korea’s increased involvement in the conflict. Intelligence assessments from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine suggest that as many as 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to aid Moscow. Pyongyang has also supplied Russia with significant munitions to replenish its dwindling stockpiles, strengthening its position in the war.
This development was a central topic in recent discussions between President Biden and leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru.
Mixed Reactions and Strategic Implications
While some Western allies see the provision of ATACMs as necessary to bolster Ukraine’s defences, the decision has also sparked concern about possible Russian retaliation. President Vladimir Putin has previously warned of supplying long-range weapons to adversaries of NATO nations should such measures escalate.
The decision has come amidst the transition of US leadership, with President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office in January. Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which included criticism of Biden’s extensive military aid to Ukraine, has raised questions about the future of US support for Kyiv. His stated intention to “end the war swiftly” has further added to uncertainties among Ukraine’s international allies.
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The Humanitarian and Strategic Toll
As winter approaches, fears are mounting over the humanitarian impact of Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine’s power infrastructure. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s Western allies remain concerned that any rushed peace settlement, particularly under Trump’s administration, could favour Moscow, undermining Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.
Towards a Broader Vision
In response to Russia’s aggression, Biden’s administration has sought to balance military support for Ukraine with efforts to avoid a direct NATO-Russia conflict. Since the war’s onset in February 2022, the US has provided over $56 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including advanced systems like Patriot air defences and F-16 fighter jets, albeit often after significant delays.
While Biden has not publicly commented on the latest decision, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the global body’s call for a just and lasting peace. “We want peace, we want fair peace,” Guterres said ahead of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
As the war enters a critical phase, the provision of ATACMs to Ukraine underscores a deepening commitment by the US and its allies to counter Russian aggression. However, the long-term implications of this escalation remain uncertain, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.
