President Joe Biden’s decision to authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles inside Russia marks a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics, reflecting the escalating stakes as North Korean troops join Russia’s efforts. The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), with a range of approximately 190 miles, represents a potent tool that could help Ukraine counter Russian forces in the strategically critical Kursk region. The approval comes as nearly 50,000 Russian troops have massed in the area, where Ukraine previously launched a counteroffensive. For months, the Biden administration had resisted calls to let Ukraine strike within Russia’s borders, but recent developments—including North Korea’s military involvement—appear to have changed the calculus.
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This move is a response to Moscow’s large-scale preparations in Kursk, aimed at reclaiming territory seized by Ukraine during the summer. The use of these long-range missiles, at least initially, will focus on defending against Russian advances in Kursk, where North Korean troops’ presence has heightened international concerns. Although this step won’t necessarily turn the tide of the war, it aims to blunt Russia’s potential assaults and convey a strong warning to Pyongyang about further involvement.
The timing is critical, as President Biden is nearing the end of his term, while President-elect Donald Trump has expressed intentions to scale back U.S. support for Ukraine. Biden’s decision could be viewed as a strategic effort to bolster Ukraine’s position before any potential policy shift in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s persistent advocacy for the use of U.S. weapons inside Russia, highlighted during meetings at the White House, underscores the significance of this development for Ukraine’s broader military strategy.
Despite Biden’s approval, U.S. officials are cautious. They note that Ukraine’s stockpile of ATACMS is limited, and their use must be strategically targeted. Ukraine’s recent push for deeper strikes into Russian territory is part of a broader “victory plan” outlined by Zelensky, which aims to consolidate gains and prevent Russia from using regions like Kursk as bargaining chips in any future peace negotiations. The potential shift in U.S. policy could provide Ukraine with a tactical edge but also raises questions about the conflict’s further escalation and the possibility of Russia retaliating with nuclear or conventional strikes.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s military involvement in the conflict introduces a new layer of complexity. Over 10,000 North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces in Kursk, serving as a “significant resource” that allows Russia to redirect its own troops for potential offensive actions. Their participation has deepened concerns among U.S. officials about the conflict’s expanding scope and the risk of new alliances reshaping global power dynamics.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear whether additional U.S. ATACMS will be sent to Ukraine or whether existing stocks will suffice. What is certain is that this decision reflects a critical juncture in the war and a potential game-changer in Ukraine’s fight for territorial integrity, with significant implications for U.S.-Russia relations and global security.
