On September 21, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was warmly greeted by U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. Reuters
The Biden administration has made a significant decision, allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons for long-range strikes inside Russia. This policy shift marks a reversal in the U.S. approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and it comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for the right to use American military equipment to target Russian military assets far from the border.
The new directive is expected to come into play within the next few days, with Ukraine preparing to launch its first long-range strikes, though specifics about the operations are being kept confidential for security reasons. U.S. officials have revealed that the change in policy is largely driven by the growing concern over Russia’s involvement of North Korean troops in the war. These troops are reportedly bolstering Russia’s military presence in the ongoing conflict, which has prompted increased alarm in both Washington and Kyiv.
In response to the increasing threat, President Zelensky confirmed the development in his evening address, stating that the missiles "will speak for themselves," and further emphasized that actions, not words, are what truly matter in this war. While the White House and State Department have refrained from commenting on the decision, the Kremlin has already signaled its disapproval, warning that allowing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons to strike deep into Russian territory could lead to a dangerous escalation, even suggesting that it could result in a third world war.
The first of Ukraine's long-range strikes is expected to involve the ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles. These weapons would enable Ukraine to hit Russian targets deep inside the country, far from the frontline. Despite concerns from some U.S. officials that this policy shift might not drastically change the course of the war, the decision could still offer Ukraine a stronger position in future peace talks, should they occur.
The decision has stirred a range of reactions within the U.S., with some lawmakers, especially Republicans, calling the move long overdue. They argue that there are still too many restrictions on the weapons Ukraine has been receiving, limiting their effectiveness in the ongoing battle. Among those advocating for fewer restrictions, Rep. Mike Turner, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, stated that this move would pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office.
Others, such as senior foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell, criticized Biden’s actions, accusing him of escalating the conflict before his term ends. Some experts have questioned whether this move came too late, pointing to the fact that similar military aid like ATACMS, HIMARS, and fighter jets were needed much earlier in the conflict.
Ukraine has been facing mounting pressure from Russia’s recent military maneuvers, including the reported deployment of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers to the region. These troops have already engaged in combat operations in the Kursk area, further intensifying the conflict. This development, alongside Russia’s rapid advances, has led Ukraine to lose ground it previously gained in the region.
The decision to loosen the restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons is seen as a way for Ukraine to level the playing field and stop fighting with "one hand tied behind their back." Some experts have expressed hope that it will provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to combat Russia’s escalating aggression, though there is a widespread view that these decisions came too late to significantly alter the outcome of the conflict.
While some of Ukraine’s allies have provided weapons with restrictions, there is now growing recognition that the nature of the conflict has changed. With Russia’s increasing reliance on North Korean troops and its escalation of missile attacks, it is clear that Western powers are recalibrating their strategies to support Ukraine. In Poland, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski remarked that President Biden's decision was a response to these developments and would send a clear message to Putin.
In the coming days, Ukraine’s military will likely put this new authority to the test, launching their first strikes using long-range weapons. The world will be watching closely to see how this move influences the course of the war and whether it leads to any shift in Russia’s aggressive tactics.
