Biden’s Approval of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine Raises Tensions with Russia

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President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against targets within Russian territory has sparked intense reactions from the Kremlin, raising concerns about potential escalation in the ongoing conflict.

At a Glance

  • Biden approves Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles for strikes up to 300km inside Russia
  • Kremlin warns of “direct U.S. involvement” and potential global conflict
  • Decision follows reports of North Korean troops joining Russian forces
  • Russian legislators caution about risk of triggering another world war
  • Experts debate the impact on battlefield dynamics and winter strategy

Biden’s Policy Shift Draws Sharp Criticism from Russia

The Biden administration has reversed its previous stance, now allowing Ukraine to use American-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike targets up to 300 kilometers within Russian territory. This dramatic policy shift has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from Russian officials, who view it as a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov didn’t mince words in his response to the reports of Biden’s decision. He stated that if confirmed, this move would represent “a qualitatively new round of tension” in the conflict.

Warnings of Wider Conflict

Russian officials have not only criticized the decision but have also issued stark warnings about its potential consequences. Some legislators have gone as far as suggesting that this move could trigger a global conflict.

“This is a very big step toward the beginning of the third world war,” said Vladimir Dzhabarov, a Russian lawmaker.

These warnings echo previous statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had cautioned that such actions by the U.S. would effectively make NATO countries direct participants in the conflict. The Kremlin’s reaction underscores the delicate balance of power in the region and the potential for rapid escalation.

Strategic Implications and Battlefield Impact

While the decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against targets in Russia is seen as a significant shift in U.S. policy, military experts are divided on its potential impact on the battlefield. Some argue that it could help Ukraine protect its infrastructure through the winter months, while others suggest that the limited number of missiles may not fundamentally alter the balance of power.

“If such a decision was indeed formulated and brought to the Kyiv regime, then this is a qualitatively new round of tension and a qualitatively new situation from the point of view of US involvement in this conflict” Peskov said.

The decision comes in response to intelligence reports suggesting that North Korean troops have joined Russian forces in the conflict. This development, along with Russia’s continued use of Iranian drones and North Korean missiles against Ukraine, has likely influenced the Biden administration’s calculus in approving the use of ATACMS.

Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future

As tensions escalate and the conflict enters a new phase, the international community watches closely. The authorization of ATACMS use comes just two months before a presidential transition in the United States, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation. With both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions, the path to de-escalation remains unclear, leaving many to wonder about the long-term implications of this latest development in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Sources:

  1. Russia warns Biden that long-range missile approval escalates Ukraine war
  2. Russia accuses Biden of escalating Ukraine war with missile decision
  3. Biden Allows Ukraine to Strike Russia With Long-Range U.S. Missiles
  4. Russian officials say Biden decision to let Ukraine fire missiles deep into Russia could lead to world war

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