President Joe Biden’s administration has lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, marking a significant policy shift. This decision, confirmed by two U.S. officials and another informed source, comes after sustained requests from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It follows the deployment of North Korean troops to bolster Russian forces, a move that has alarmed both Washington and Kyiv. Ukraine is expected to carry out its inaugural long-range attacks, likely using ATACMS rockets with a range of 190 miles, in the coming days. This development raises concerns about potential escalation, as Russia has warned against such actions.
Despite skepticism within some U.S. quarters about the impact on the war’s trajectory, the policy change is seen as potentially enhancing Ukraine’s negotiating position in any future ceasefire discussions. The decision comes as Russian forces are advancing rapidly, backed by more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers now engaged in combat in eastern Russia. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of this strategic shift to support Ukraine’s troops facing personnel shortages.
The Biden administration prioritizes strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities before Trump assumes office in January, despite Trump’s criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Criticism from Trump advisor Richard Grenell labels the decision as an escalation. Meanwhile, some U.S. Congressional Republicans have supported easing weapon use restrictions. The White House and key government bodies have declined to comment on the decision. Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, sees this move as a direct response to North Korean involvement, emphasizing that it sends a clear message to Russia.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/17/biden-allows-ukraine-to-use-us-arms-to-strike-inside-russia.html
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