Escalation in Ukraine: U.S. Lifts Missile Ban, Invokes Strong Russian Response
In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Joe Biden has lifted the ban on Ukraine using long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, a move that Russian lawmakers have labeled as a dangerous escalation of the ongoing conflict. Andrei Klishas, a senior member of Russia's Federation Council, voiced strong concern over the decision, stating on Telegram, "The West has decided on such a level of escalation that it could end with the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning."
This policy overhaul allows Ukraine to deploy U.S.-made Atacms missiles, which boast a range of approximately 190 miles (300 kilometers), against Russian and North Korean forces. The justification for this decision stems from reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia in its conflict against Ukraine, despite the absence of official commentary from the White House. The news first surfaced through coordinated briefings given to major news outlets, including the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that while discussions surrounding the policy change are circulating, the real test of this decision would occur on the battlefield. "Today, there’s a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions. But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves. They certainly will," Zelenskyy stated.
The backdrop to this critical development was starkly illustrated by a tragic incident in Ukraine on Sunday evening, where a Russian missile strike on a nine-story residential building in Sumy resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including two children. Volodymyr Artyukh, head of the Sumy military administration, lamented, "For the city of Sumy, it became hell, a tragedy that Russia brought to our land."
This attack was part of a larger assault, characterized by Ukraine as a massive attack involving 120 missiles and 90 drones, targeting the nation's power grid and resulting in at least seven fatalities. This bombardment marks the most extensive missile and drone assault Ukraine has faced since August and occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions following the recent U.S. elections, indicating a resolute stance from the Kremlin.
As a result of the extensive damage inflicted on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the country’s primary energy supplier, Ukrenergo, has announced that blackouts and consumption restrictions will be implemented across all regions starting Monday. With the harsh winter fast approaching, Ukraine faces severe energy shortages.
In an effort to foster a united front against Russian aggression, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that traditional diplomacy, such as phone calls with President Vladimir Putin, will not suffice. Tusk stated, "No one will stop Putin with phone calls. The attack last night, one of the biggest in this war, has proved that telephone diplomacy cannot replace real support from the whole west for Ukraine."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his recent conversation with Putin, highlighting its importance in conveying to the Russian president that he cannot expect support from Germany or Europe. However, Scholz's assertions lead to an acknowledgment that little change has occurred in Putin’s perspective on the war, contributing to a bleak outlook for negotiations.
As global leaders prepare to convene this week for discussions at the G20 summit in Brazil, Ukraine remains at the forefront of their agenda. While UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to prioritize Ukraine's needs, he has indicated no plans to engage directly with Putin as Scholz has done.
Amid these geopolitical tensions, Finland is conducting its first large-scale NATO artillery exercise since joining the military alliance last year, involving live fire drills set to take place in multiple European countries. This exercise exemplifies NATO's strengthened military posture in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the Union's commitment to collective defense.
In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, about 1,500 supporters of Russia's exiled opposition marched in Berlin, led by Yulia Navalnaya, advocating against the war and Putin's regime. However, the turnout was lower than anticipated, reflecting the challenges facing the movement amid ongoing repression and the turmoil following the death of its prominent leader, Alexei Navalny.
With such dramatic shifts in warfare strategies and increasing international scrutiny, the conflict in Ukraine is poised to escalate further, prompting urgent discussions about global peace and security.
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