Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit Photo: Ludovic MARIN / AFP
The administration of US President Joe Biden has given the green light Ukraine to use US weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. This is a significant shift in Washington’s policy towards the war between Ukraine and Russia, according to three sources familiar with the situation, Reuters reported.
Ukraine is planning to launch its first long-range strikes in the coming days, sources said, but details remain under wraps due to security concerns. The White House has so far refrained from commenting.
Responding to Zelensky’s requests and Russia’s strengthening
This move by the United States comes two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on 20 January. In recent months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly asked Washington to allow the use of US weapons to target Russian military targets far beyond the border.
The decision comes amid concerns over Russia’s deployment of North Korean ground troops to support its own forces, which has caused concern in Washington and Kyiv.
The first strikes are expected to be carried out using ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 306 km.
US reaction and threats of escalation
Despite the change in policy, some US officials are sceptical that the decision will fundamentally alter the course of the war. At the same time, they acknowledge that it could strengthen Kyiv’s position ahead of possible ceasefire negotiations.
It is unclear whether Trump will reverse this decision when he takes office. He has repeatedly criticised the extent of financial and military aid to Ukraine and promised to end the war quickly, although he has not yet explained how.
Some Republican congressmen have called on Biden to allow Ukraine to make greater use of American weapons.
Moscow has already warned that it would consider allowing long-range strikes a serious escalation of the conflict.
The US decision marks a new stage in the war, with potential consequences for both the battlefield and global diplomacy.
