Payam Javan: Anonymous U.S. officials revealed that President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles provided by the United States to strike Russian targets in the occupied region of Kursk. This decision comes amid intensified fighting in the area, with Ukrainian forces holding strategic positions after a cross-border operation. In response, Russia has bolstered its defenses in Kursk by deploying 11,000 North Korean soldiers. This move highlights the escalating complexity of the conflict, with North Korean involvement intensifying international tensions. The Biden administration had previously approved Ukraine’s use of ATACMs missiles to target Russian-occupied territories like Crimea.
Mixed Reactions to U.S. Policy Shift
The decision, reportedly made during Biden’s final months in office, reflects a strategic response to Russia’s use of North Korean troops and Ukraine’s need for advanced weapons to maintain its defense. While the White House has declined to comment, officials claim the authorization could be extended to other Russian territories, although they doubt it will alter the war’s outcome. U.S. policymakers are divided, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to support Ukraine, while others, including President-elect Donald Trump, advocate for de-escalation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the decision, emphasizing action over words, as Kyiv looks toward diplomatic solutions in the future.
International Implications and Caution Over Escalation
The decision underscores America’s vital role in Ukraine’s defense, with the U.S. providing over $56.2 billion in security assistance since the war began in 2022. However, it has sparked concerns about potential escalation with nuclear-armed Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO-backed strikes inside Russian territory could provoke retaliatory actions against Western nations. Allied countries, including the UK and France, have provided Ukraine with advanced missiles but adhered to U.S.-led restrictions to avoid broader conflict. Critics, including Donald Trump Jr., accuse the U.S. of stoking tensions, while Zelenskyy remains resolute in seeking support to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty.
