A significant development unfolds in U.S. military support for Ukraine as President Joe Biden removes previous restrictions on long-range missile deployment.
According to Newsweek, the White House has authorized Ukraine to utilize U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles for striking targets deep within Russian territory, marking a substantial shift in policy during Biden's final months in office.
The decision enables Ukraine to target locations up to 190 miles (300 kilometers) into Russian territory, significantly expanding their strike capabilities compared to the previous 50-mile range limitation.
This development comes as Russia continues to make territorial gains in eastern Ukraine and the U.S. approaches a presidential transition.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified hundreds of Russian military targets that could now be within reach of Ukrainian forces equipped with ATACMS. However, the limited availability of these missiles in U.S. inventory raises questions about their potential impact on the conflict's trajectory.
Defense analyst Jennifer Kavanagh from Defense Priorities offered this perspective on the decision:
The move will not meaningfully improve Ukraine's military position, but it will intensify U.S. and NATO entanglement in the conflict and worsen the risk of Russian escalation—including possible retaliation on U.S. or European targets
The Kremlin's response has been swift and direct, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterizing the decision as an escalation of tensions that fundamentally changes U.S. involvement in the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that such deployments would indicate direct NATO participation in the war.
British political figures have welcomed the U.S. decision, with former Armed Forces Minister James Cartlidge calling for similar authorization of British Storm Shadow missiles. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has prioritized Ukraine on his G20 summit agenda, emphasizing the need for increased support.
The Council on Geostrategy, a UK-based think tank, has urged British authorities to permit Ukraine to strike military and logistical targets deep within Russia using British-supplied weapons. This alignment with U.S. policy could influence other Western allies' approach to weapons provision.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed for even more advanced capabilities, including U.S. Tomahawk missiles with ranges up to 1,500 miles. However, U.S. officials have deemed this request unrealistic, given current strategic considerations.
Intelligence reports indicate that Ukraine may focus ATACMS strikes on Russia's western Kursk region, where North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed. Former Ukrainian security service officer Ivan Stupak suggests targeting high-value military installations across Russia instead.
The timing of this authorization is particularly significant as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, having promised to end the conflict quickly and reduce military aid to Ukraine. This transition could substantially impact the implementation and effectiveness of the new ATACMS policy.
The current landscape shows both opportunities and limitations in the deployment of these advanced missile systems. While the extended range provides Ukraine with new strategic options, the limited inventory and Russia's preparatory measures may constrain their ultimate impact on the conflict's outcome.
