In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), for strikes inside Russia, according to a U.S. official. The ATACMS, which can travel about 190 miles, will enable Ukrainian troops to target Russia's weapons stockpiles, logistical centers, and airfields. This move could potentially halt the advancement of Russian forces and their attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The U.S. official, who requested anonymity, revealed that the U.S. is permitting Ukraine to use the weapons to target areas in and around Kursk, where approximately 10,000 North Korean troops were recently deployed, as reported by the U.S. and its allies. Until now, the Biden administration had resisted allowing Ukraine to fire American long-range missiles into Russian territory, fearing it would escalate the war. The U.S. had confirmed in the spring that it had sent ATACMS to Ukraine, but with the stipulation that the weapons would only be used within Ukrainian territory.
The U.S. official also indicated that British officials are likely to follow suit, allowing Ukraine to use their Storm Shadow long-range missiles in Russia. These missiles, which can travel about 155 miles, require U.S. approval as they contain U.S. components.
However, a separate source on Capitol Hill, who also requested anonymity, suggested that the decision might not significantly alter the course of the war due to the limited number of such missiles and Ukraine's existing use of drones to hit Russian targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for this change in U.S. policy for several months. In his nightly video address on Sunday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities will be crucial to its victory. He also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin responds to strength, not diplomacy.
The policy shift comes just over two months before President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House. Trump has criticized the amount of aid given to Ukraine in its fight against Russia and claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, though he has not explained how.