Biden's Urgent Move: Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine as Time Ticks Down
Twelve days after the US presidential election, President Joe Biden confronts a crucial juncture. With only a few weeks remaining to solidify his presidency's achievements, he is acutely aware of the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House. As Trump remains ambiguous about his strategies concerning the war in Ukraine, Biden has finally acquiesced to a long-standing request from Kyiv, according to official sources reported on November 17.
From this point forward, Washington will authorize the Ukrainian army to employ long-range missiles—specifically the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)—to target Russian positions deep within their territory, with a range approaching 300 kilometers.
This significant decision arrives after a weekend of intense Russian attacks on Ukraine and aims to counter a substantial Russian counteroffensive, estimated at nearly 50,000 troops, including 10,000 North Korean soldiers, concentrated in the Russian region of Kursk, which Ukraine successfully reclaimed in August.
While the provision of these missiles does not promise a definitive victory for Ukraine, it does equip them with a critical tool previously denied—allowing them a necessary military option. The urgency of this move underscores the imperative to protect strategic assets, particularly Russian territorial gains, prior to a potential shift in US policy under a Trump administration focused on negotiations.
Previously, the US restricted deep strikes due to concerns over escalating tensions with Russia, fueled by Moscow's frequent nuclear threats. However, recent developments suggest a shift in the escalation narrative, marked by the notable presence of North Korean forces alongside Russian troops.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its inconsistent stance on pivotal international security issues, mirroring similar delays in the dispatch of other military support, such as tanks and fighter jets. Observers argue that this hesitation has hindered Ukraine's ability to effectively neutralize the Russian military. Andrew Michta, director at the Atlantic Council think tank, pointed out that although the Biden administration was commendable in its initial support for Ukraine, it fell into the misconception that warfare could be managed in a systematic manner rather than actively engaged upon.
These strategic missteps by the Biden administration have inadvertently emboldened other global players, notably Iran, which has supplied hundreds of drones to Russia, further complicating the landscape of international intervention in Ukraine. As Biden's administration pushes towards providing Ukraine with necessary military resources, the countdown to a transition in leadership intensifies the stakes of this ongoing conflict.
Related Sources: