The Kremlin has issued a warning that President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia adds “fuel to the fire” of the ongoing conflict and will further escalate international tensions.
This announcement comes as North Korean troops are reportedly being deployed to bolster Russia’s military efforts. Biden’s decision introduces a new and uncertain element to the war just before the conflict reaches its 1,000-day mark since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russian forces recently executed a deadly attack, with a ballistic missile strike in the Sumy region of Ukraine resulting in 11 fatalities and 84 injuries. Additionally, a missile barrage in Odesa led to further casualties.
U.S. officials confirmed that Washington is easing restrictions on the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs) to empower Ukraine for deeper strikes against Russian targets. This marks a significant shift from previous policies that aimed to limit escalation and avoid direct conflict between NATO and Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the U.S. decision, asserting that it demonstrates a reckless escalation. Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed astonishment at the leaders of Britain and France for supporting actions that deepen the conflict.
The specifics of the missile-use guidelines remain unclear, but this policy change comes amid discussions about North Korean troop involvement alongside Russian forces. Biden’s decision was primarily influenced by North Korea’s entry into the conflict.
In response to the growing situation, Biden met with leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, addressing concerns over North Korean support for Russia.
Despite the heightened tensions, some analysts are skeptical about how much this policy change could impact the situation on the ground. While the ATACMs can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away, they may not significantly alter the dynamics of the war, especially given Ukraine’s limited supplies of such missiles.
President Zelensky has asserted that the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory could shorten the duration of the war, voicing hope that the U.S. decision signifies a turning point. However, many remain wary of what a negotiation process might look like under a potential Trump administration, given his history and promises to end the war quickly.
Meanwhile, reactions across Europe vary, with Polish President Andrzej Duda calling Biden’s decision a crucial turning point, while Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico labeled it an unprecedented escalation that would only prolong the conflict.
Credit: ABC News
