- Biden approves Ukraine striking inside Russia with long-range missiles
- It follows months of lobbying by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
- The ATACMS missiles have a range of up to 300 kilometres
- Reports suggest Russia and North Korea are planning a joint assault to reclaim the occupied Kursk region
Biden approves Ukraine striking inside Russia with long-range missiles
In a major shift in U.S. policy, President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to target Russian territory. The decision, confirmed by a U.S. official to CBS News, follows months of lobbying by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called for lifting restrictions on strikes beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Responding to the news, Zelensky remarked, “Such things are not announced, missiles speak for themselves.”
The ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometres (186 miles), provide Ukraine with the capability to hit deep into Russian territory. The move is reportedly limited to Ukraine’s defence in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have been holding ground since a surprise incursion in August. The Biden administration sees this as a strategic move to bolster Ukraine’s position in potential future negotiations.
The decision comes amid growing tensions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warning that such actions could amount to NATO’s “direct participation” in the war. While Putin has not yet commented, Kremlin officials have condemned the development as a significant escalation.
The timing is crucial, as reports suggest Russia and North Korea are planning a joint assault to reclaim the occupied Kursk region. Ukraine estimates that 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in the area, with an offensive expected imminently.
Neither the UK nor France has yet responded to Biden’s decision.