Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long advocated for permission to strike targets inside Russia with Western-supplied long-range missiles, but the Biden administration has yet to make a decision, reports The New York Times. U.S. intelligence agencies warn that such a move could provoke Russia into retaliating against the U.S. and its allies, potentially with deadly consequences.
According to intelligence assessments, Moscow would likely increase counterattacks, which could include strikes on military bases in Europe or acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure. Analysts also suggest that even if the missiles were supplied, they might not significantly change the course of the war, given the limited quantity available to Ukraine.
President Joe Biden has delayed making a final decision, likely weighing the risks of Russia’s potential response. Meanwhile, Zelensky continues to push for stronger support, arguing that extending strikes into Russian territory is essential to bolstering Ukraine’s defense.
The UK has already expressed its willingness to allow Ukraine to use its long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia but is waiting for Biden’s stance. Defense analysts and officials argue that such a decision could shift the dynamics of the war, allowing Ukraine to more effectively target key military assets within Russia. However, the U.S. is carefully evaluating the risks and potential global security ramifications of the move.
