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Marking a drastic policy change, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes within Russian territory. This decisive move comes as Russian forces have been gaining ground in recent months. The decision marks a dramatic shift in Washington's approach to the ongoing conflict.
Sources close to the matter revealed that Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days using ATACMS missiles, which can reach targets up to 190 miles away. The White House has maintained silence on these reports, following standard protocol for sensitive military decisions.
The timing proves particularly crucial, as North Korean ground troops have recently joined Russian forces, raising alarm in both Washington and Kyiv. "This development requires a strategic response," stated a senior defense official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.
Congressional Republicans have been pushing for looser restrictions on U.S.-provided weapons. According to Pentagon reports, America has provided $175 billion in aid to Ukraine - the largest contribution among all supporting nations. This support has been instrumental in Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
Recent events underscore the urgency of this decision. Just this Sunday, Russia launched a devastating missile barrage that killed seven civilians and severely damaged Ukraine's power infrastructure. President Zelenskyy has long advocated for such authorization to counter these aggressive moves.
The policy shift arrives at a critical juncture, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025. Trump has consistently criticized the scale of U.S. support to Ukraine and promised to end the conflict quickly. Military analysts suggest this timing might help Ukraine secure a stronger negotiating position before any potential peace talks.
Moscow has already responded with strong warnings. "Any expansion of Ukraine's capabilities to strike Russian territory would represent a major escalation," declared Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in a recent press briefing. The Kremlin views this development as a significant threat to regional stability.
Defense experts suggest this authorization could reshape battlefield dynamics, though some U.S. officials remain skeptical about its impact on the war's overall trajectory. The coming weeks will likely prove decisive in testing this new strategic approach.
