US President Joe Biden on Sunday lifted a ban on the Ukrainian military’s use of long-range US missiles to attack strategic positions inside Russian territory.
The authorization represents a notable shift in U.S. strategy in Ukraine, because these weapons have the capability to strike areas inside Russia.
The details were published in the newspapers The New York Times Yes The Washington Postas well as the AFP news agency, but there is still no official confirmation from the White House and the Pentagon.
For his part, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, spoke about media reports about the use of ATACMS against Russia, but did not confirm or deny that the United States had given permission to use them.
In a video, the president said he had presented a “plan for victory” to allies, which included “long-range capabilities for our military.”
“Many in the media say we have received permission to take appropriate action,” he said. “But attacks are not carried out with words. These things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves,” he added.
According to US sources, Ukraine plans to launch its first long-range missile strike in following days.
Although the Kremlin has not yet expressed its opinion, last September the Russian leader, Vladimir Putinwarned about the use of these types of weapons in the conflict.
Putin said that such a decision would be considered “direct participation” of NATO countries in the war in Ukraine, adding that it would “fundamentally change the very essence, the nature of the conflict.”
photo caption, Ukraine will be able to use the MGM-140 missile system, considered one of the most effective in the world.
“This will mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries will fight with Russia,” he added.
According to US media sources, the change of direction by the Biden government is due to participation of North Korean troops in the ranks of the Russian army.
This alarmed the governments in Washington and Kiev.
The type of missile
Army tactical missile system MGM-140 (ATACMS) is manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
They have the ability to reach up to 300 kilometers Yes They are difficult to intercept thanks to its high speed.
The United States sent these weapons as part of a support package and they have already been used at least once to attack Russian targets in occupied Crimea.
photo caption, Joe Biden is just two months away from leaving the White House, after Donald Trump won the election in early November.
However, the truth is that the decision would now allow Ukraine to attack Russian-controlled areas more deeply, targeting bases, storage facilities and logistics centers.
Trump has strongly criticized US policies on financial and military aid to Ukraine and has promised to quickly end the war, without explaining how he will achieve this.