President Biden recently made a big decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-made missiles that can reach deeper into Russian territory. This change in policy came after months of pressure from Ukraine, which has been wanting to strike farther into Russia to stop attacks before they even begin. Moscow, on the other hand, is furious about this move, with some Russian lawmakers even warning that it could lead to World War III.
These missiles, called ATACMS, can travel about 190 miles and are much more powerful than the drones Ukraine has been using so far. They’re harder to stop and can cause more damage, which makes them a valuable tool for Ukraine’s defense. While the Biden administration had been hesitant to allow this for fear of escalating the war, they decided to give Ukraine the go-ahead over the weekend.
This decision comes after nearly three years of fighting, and with President Biden about to hand over the presidency to Trump, who may not be as supportive of Ukraine. Russia has been launching devastating missile attacks on Ukraine, and this new move gives Ukraine a chance to retaliate more effectively, reaching deeper into Russian territory than ever before. Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, welcomed the decision, saying that the missiles would do the talking, not words.
In Moscow, Russian leaders are not happy. Some lawmakers have accused Biden of wanting to end his presidency in a bloody way, while others say this move brings the world closer to a third world war. Putin himself has warned that if Ukraine is allowed to use these long-range missiles, it would make NATO and the U.S. direct parties in the war.
Things have escalated even more, with North Korean troops now fighting alongside Russian forces. This shift in the conflict may have been the final straw for Biden, who, after seeing Russia’s growing involvement, decided it was time to give Ukraine the weapons it needs to defend itself more fully.
However, there are still limits to how Ukraine can use these missiles. Reports suggest that they might only be able to use them to target Russian positions in the Kursk region, which could be a way to keep the conflict from spreading too much. Experts believe that, while this change in policy is significant, it might not dramatically change the course of the war, especially if the missiles are only used in limited areas.
In the end, this decision shows how the war is evolving and how global powers are navigating the risks of an even bigger conflict.
