Biden approves Ukraine’s authorization to launch long-range strikes against Russian targets

November 18, 2024 TruthUSA

Russia had previously issued a warning that NATO’s permission for Ukraine to conduct strikes within the country would be seen as direct involvement in the war.

According to anonymous U.S. officials, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles provided by the United States to target locations in the Russian region of Kursk, currently under Ukrainian occupation amid the ongoing conflict.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian forces initiated a significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Intense battles continue as Russian troops try to retake lost territories. Ukraine has captured multiple settlements and maintains control over strategic positions. In response, Russia has allowed 11,000 North Korean soldiers to gather in Kursk to support their efforts.

Last year, in reaction to North Korea supplying Russia with long-range ballistic missiles, the Biden administration had already approved the use of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)—with a range of approximately 190 miles—by Ukraine for targets within its territories, including those in Russian-occupied Crimea.

The recent decision to expand Ukraine’s use of U.S. missiles comes during Biden’s final two months in office, as per unnamed officials who spoke to The New York Times. These officials also suggested that while the missiles are intended to support Ukraine’s fight in Kursk, Biden could potentially authorize their usage in other parts of Russia as well.

These officials do not believe that permitting the use of missiles will have a significant impact on the war’s outcome.

They noted that Biden’s decision to lift restrictions for Kursk was motivated in part by a need to respond firmly to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops on the front lines. They also expressed concerns that Ukrainian forces could be overrun without the use of missiles.

The decision to authorize the use of missiles was discussed by officials with knowledge of the matter who were not permitted to disclose it publicly and spoke anonymously, as reported by The Associated Press on November 17.

The White House declined The Epoch Times’ request for a statement.

Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-D.C.) stated to NTD, a sister publication of The Epoch Times, in response to the news that the approval “was a necessary policy.”

“As always, we prefer to avoid escalation, but Ukraine is our ally. We must stand by them. They must have the ability to defend themselves,” she remarked.

According to the AP report, there is not unanimous support within the U.S. government for this decision. President-elect Donald Trump has also mentioned that his administration will seek to de-escalate or end the conflict once he assumes office.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on Sunday to the anonymous reports by saying, “Strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.”

Zelenskyy also stated to Ukrainian media on Friday that Kyiv aims to resolve the conflict with Russia next year through diplomatic means once Trump assumes office.

Zelenskyy has long sought permission to use long-range weapons within Russian territories, a request that Biden had previously opposed. Biden expressed concerns that permitting the use of U.S. missiles on Russian soil could lead to direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia for the United States and other NATO members.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if NATO allows Ukraine to strike inside Russia, it would be seen as direct involvement in the conflict, potentially prompting Moscow to supply long-range weapons to other parties to target Western interests.

The United Kingdom and France have also supplied Ukraine with some Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles with a range of about 155 miles. They have stated that they will adhere to U.S. restrictions on missile use despite supporting Zelenskyy’s requests to strike inside Russia.

In response to the reports, Donald Trump Jr. commented on the social media platform X, saying, “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives.”

The United States is Ukraine’s most crucial ally in the conflict, offering over $56.2 billion in security assistance since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

However, fearing Russia’s response, the Biden administration has repeatedly delayed providing advanced weapons requested by Ukraine, only agreeing under pressure from Kyiv, its supporters, and in consultation with allies.

This includes initially rejecting Zelenskyy’s appeals for advanced tanks, Patriot air defense systems, and F-16 fighter jets, among other systems.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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