Washington DC [US], November 18: US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, including the Kursk region, to bolster Ukrainian defenses against escalating Russian and North Korean offensives, according to a report by The New York Times.
The decision allows Ukraine to deploy the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), a move seen as a significant escalation in the conflict. This comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, with his administration signaling intentions to prioritize ending the war.
Strategic Move Amid Russian and North Korean Threats
Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS comes in response to Russia’s decision to involve North Korean troops in the conflict, according to US officials quoted by The New York Times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not explicitly confirmed the use of these missiles but hinted at their strategic significance during his nightly address.
“Today, many in the media are talking about the fact that we have received permission to take appropriate actions,” Zelensky said. “But blows are not inflicted with words. Such things are not announced. The rockets will speak for themselves.”
Trump’s Stance on the Conflict
President-elect Donald Trump, who recently won a second term in the 2024 presidential election, has previously expressed his intent to expedite the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump secured 295 electoral votes, defeating Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, who garnered 226 votes.
In an earlier interview with public broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky reflected on past discussions with Trump and emphasized Ukraine’s independence in decision-making.
“We are an independent country. And we, during this war, both our people and I, personally, are in negotiations with the United States, with both Trump and Biden and with European leaders, proved that the ‘sit and listen’ rhetoric doesn’t work with us,” Zelensky stated.
Implications for US-Ukraine Relations
The authorization of ATACMS for Ukraine marks a critical juncture in US-Ukraine relations. These precision-guided missiles can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away, providing Ukraine with a significant advantage in targeting Russian supply lines and critical military infrastructure.
As tensions rise, President-elect Trump’s incoming administration faces the challenge of managing an escalating conflict while balancing diplomatic efforts to broker peace.
The Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its third year, continues to dominate global political discourse, with this latest development signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict. The world watches closely as Ukraine’s “rockets speak for themselves.”
