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US-Russia tensions over long-range missile authorizations on Russia have escalated. In a significant shift in US military policy, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against targets within Russian territory, prompting stern warnings from Moscow.
The Russian Foreign Ministry declared on Monday that such actions would constitute "direct involvement of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia," vowing an "appropriate and tangible" response.
The authorization of ATACMS missiles, with their 300-kilometer range capability, marks a crucial turning point as the Russia-Ukraine conflict approaches its 1,000th day.
Ukraine has previously possessed similar long-range capabilities through French and British Storm Shadow missiles but was restricted from targeting Russian territory. Security analyst Jon Finer, US Deputy National Security Adviser, emphasized that this decision came in response to Russia's recent military escalations and the reported deployment of North Korean forces.
The timing of this authorization proves particularly complex, occurring just two months before Biden's departure from office. President-elect Donald Trump, who secured victory on November 5, has pledged to end US involvement in foreign conflicts and claims he can resolve the Ukraine war within 24 hours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that any missile deployment announcements might remain unofficial, stating that "the missiles will speak for themselves."
Recent developments have intensified the conflict's dynamics. Reports indicate over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia's Kursk region, with speculation of potential reinforcements reaching 100,000 soldiers.
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its infrastructure attacks across Ukraine, with recent strikes in Odesa resulting in 10 fatalities and nearly 50 injuries.
President Vladimir Putin's previous September statement characterized such missile deployments as direct NATO participation in the conflict. His spokesman recently accused Washington of "adding oil to the fire." The battlefield situation appears to have reached a stalemate, with both sides seeking strategic advantages through technological superiority and international support.
Western analysts interpret Biden's decision as a clear message to Moscow that military victory in Ukraine remains unattainable. However, the authorization's long-term implications remain uncertain, particularly given the impending US administration change on January 20 and Trump's stated priority of redirecting resources toward domestic issues.
