Washington, November 18, 2024 — In a major shift in US policy, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike deeper into Russian territory. The decision comes amid escalating tensions, with Russia deploying North Korean troops to bolster its forces in the ongoing conflict.

The Decision and Its Context

The authorization allows Ukraine to utilize the ATACMS missiles primarily in Russia’s Kursk region, where Kyiv launched a surprise counteroffensive earlier this year. The Biden administration's move is seen as a response to Russia’s recent deployment of nearly 12,000 North Korean troops and significant munitions support from Pyongyang to aid Moscow's efforts in the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has long urged the US to lift restrictions on long-range missile use, expressed restrained optimism, stating, “Missiles speak for themselves.”

The decision comes as fears grow over Moscow’s intentions to devastate Ukraine’s infrastructure ahead of winter, following massive drone and missile strikes that killed civilians and targeted energy facilities in Ukraine.

Impact on the Conflict

The introduction of ATACMS, which can strike targets up to 300 km (186 miles) away, is expected to force Russia to adjust its military deployments and expend additional resources. While not a game-changer, military analysts suggest the move could level the playing field in critical regions like Kursk, where Ukraine is determined to maintain a foothold as a potential bargaining chip in future negotiations.

The approval also paves the way for Britain and France to permit Ukraine to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles for similar strikes, marking a unified NATO front in the conflict.

North Korea's Role and Regional Implications

North Korea’s involvement has introduced a new layer of complexity to the war. Intelligence reports suggest that over 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces in Kursk, alongside substantial munitions supplies. This collaboration has alarmed Western allies and raised concerns about a dangerous new phase in the war.

Biden’s decision to greenlight the use of ATACMS comes amid discussions with global leaders, including South Korea, Japan, and China, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

International Reactions

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for peace and warned against further escalation, stating, “We want fair peace, not a permanent deterioration of the war in Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump, recently elected to return to office in January, has criticized Biden’s support for Ukraine and signaled a potential shift in US policy, raising uncertainty about future military aid.

A Strategic Shift

The Biden administration’s cautious approach to arming Ukraine with advanced weaponry has faced criticism in the past. However, the recent decision reflects a shift in strategy aimed at countering Russia’s growing momentum, bolstered by North Korean support.

As Ukraine prepares for potential offensives by Russian and North Korean forces, the US-supplied long-range missiles are expected to bolster Kyiv’s ability to defend its positions and retaliate effectively.

This development underscores the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with global powers watching closely as the war continues to shape regional and international geopolitics.