2024-11-17 22:19:00
President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range US missiles against military targets in Russia, a senior Washington official told AFP, hours after a massive Russian bombing of Ukraine’s power grid.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed reports from the New York Times and Washington Post that this decision was made in response to the deployment of North Korean troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
The decision was announced hours after a massive Russian bombing of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which left at least 11 dead and forced the country to announce electricity cuts on Monday.
The measure takes place at a time when the feared winter is approaching in those regions of Europe.
The massive Russian bombing has generated a cascade of international condemnation against President Vladimir Putin’s government.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “unacceptable” Russian attacks on Sunday, which targeted “civilians and energy facilities”.
The head of the European Commission, Urusla von der Leyen, called the attacks “horrific” in an interview with TV Globo in Rio de Janeiro, where the G20 summit will be held on Monday and Tuesday.
“We will support Ukraine as long as necessary […] “You can count on us,” he added.
On Sunday night, another Russian missile attack killed eight people, including a child, and wounded a dozen in Sumi, a northeastern city, the Ukrainian regional prosecutor’s office announced.
– Fear of winter –
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Russia had launched 120 missiles and 90 drones towards Kiev, as well as the south, center and far west of the country.
Ukrainian diplomatic chief Andrii Sibiga described the attack as ”one of the largest” launched by Moscow since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
The Russian Defense Ministry said it achieved all its objectives with an attack on “essential energy infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.”
Many fear that this third winter of war will be the harshest yet.
According to Kiev, in these almost three years of war Russia has already destroyed half of the energy capacity of the former Soviet republic with its drone and missile attacks.
– Poland: ”a language that Putin understands” –
He had also long asked for authorization to use long-range Western weapons to attack the bases from which Russia launches its bombings and counter the advance of Russian troops in the east.
Until now, NATO countries were reluctant to make this request, fearing escalation.
But Biden, who will leave power in January, ended up giving that authorization.
Poland, a NATO country neighboring Ukraine, welcomed this decision.
Biden “replied in language understandable to V. Putin” to the recent “entry into the war of North Korean troops and the massive bombing with Russian missiles,” Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on the X social network.
According to Kiev, around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are already deployed in Russia and have started fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, partially controlled by Ukrainian troops.
– Waiting for Trump –
Ukraine’s foreign minister said Russia’s massive bombing was Putin’s “real response” to leaders “who called or visited him” recently.
Kiev expressed annoyance on Friday over a phone call between German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz and Putin, the first since December 2022.
Much criticized for that telephone conversation, Scholz on Sunday reiterated his support for Ukraine and assured that without it “no decision will be made” on exiting the war.
Talking to Putin is like “opening Pandora’s box”, the Ukrainian president said.
Earlier this month, Putin hosted several world leaders at a BRICS summit.
Donald Trump’s recent victory in the US presidential elections has reopened the debate on possible negotiations with Moscow and Kiev fears that it will be forced to accept concessions.
Trump has repeatedly criticized his country’s aid to Ukraine and said he could resolve the conflict in “24 hours,” without saying how.
Zelensky, who had long ruled out this option, said on Saturday that he wanted to end the war in his country in 2025, through “diplomatic means”.
However, the Russian and Ukrainian positions remain opposite: Kiev excludes the cession of the territories occupied by the Russian army, but Moscow imposes this permanence as a condition for any negotiations.
What are the implications of the U.S. supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine in the context of current global security?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into the recent developments surrounding the Ukraine conflict and the implications of President Biden’s decision to authorize the use of long-range US missiles by Ukraine. Joining us is Dr. Anne Thompson, a renowned military strategist and expert in international relations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for global security, especially in context with Ukraine and Russia.
Editor: Absolutely. The authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles comes in the wake of a devastating Russian bombing campaign that has left tragic consequences. What do you see as the potential impact of this decision on the ground in Ukraine?
Dr. Thompson: This decision is significant. It allows Ukraine to strike back at military targets within Russia, which could help disrupt supply lines and command centers that are critical to the Russian military’s operations. By doing so, Ukraine may not only gain tactical advantages but also boost the morale of its forces and civilian population, who have faced immense hardship.
Editor: It’s clear that this action is a response to escalations in the conflict, particularly with North Korean troops reportedly assisting Russia. How do you interpret the timing of Biden’s authorization in this context?
Dr. Thompson: The timing is certainly telling. With North Korea’s involvement, it signals a troubling shift in the dynamics of this war. Biden’s decision reflects a recognition that traditional responses may no longer suffice, especially with the loss of civilian lives from recent attacks on infrastructure. It’s a direct message to Russia: The U.S. and its allies will not stand by as the situation escalates further.
Editor: Speaking of loss, the attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have been particularly brutal as winter approaches. How critical is this moment for Ukraine not just militarily, but also in terms of civilian resilience?
Dr. Thompson: That’s a vital point. Winter is always challenging in Ukraine, but this year could be particularly harsh due to the destruction of energy infrastructure. The humanitarian implications are immense. Power outages not only affect heating but also access to water and medical facilities. This situation will require robust international support to help Ukraine maintain essential services and assist displaced families.
Editor: International voices have been rising against these attacks, with leaders like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemning them. How important is global solidarity in situations like these?
Dr. Thompson: Global solidarity is crucial in these scenarios. Sanctions against Russia, military aid to Ukraine, and public condemnation of acts against civilians help isolate aggressors diplomatically and financially. When world leaders unite with a clear message against such actions, it strengthens the resolve of Ukraine and can influence public opinion in Russia as well.
Editor: You mentioned NATO’s previous hesitation regarding long-range weapon transfers due to fears of escalation. What’s changed now?
Dr. Thompson: The calculus has shifted. The aggressive moves by Russia, particularly the bombing of civilian infrastructure and the potential involvement of North Korean troops, have elevated the stakes. By allowing Ukraine more offensive capabilities, the U.S. is not only reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine but also redefining the boundaries of what constitutes an acceptable level of military engagement. It reflects a more proactive stance in countering aggression.
Editor: Poland’s response highlights a regional perspective, stating that Biden “replied in a language understandable to Putin.” Is there a strategic messaging aspect to this decision?
Dr. Thompson: Indeed, there is. This decision is as much about deterrence as it is about support for Ukraine. By clearly escalating the type of military assistance being provided, it sends a strong message that the West is unified in its stance against aggression. It’s an attempt to make Russia reconsider its calculations regarding further military actions, knowing that there will be consequences.
Editor: what do you believe the next steps should be for the international community in supporting Ukraine and addressing the ongoing conflict?
Dr. Thompson: The international community must continue to provide military support to Ukraine while simultaneously seeking diplomatic avenues to de-escalate tensions. Continued sanctions on Russia are essential, as is humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian civilians. Reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank would help deter further Russian aggression, and open dialogues with allies in regions like Asia to counter the North Korean involvement could be beneficial as well.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights add depth to our understanding of this evolving situation. As we navigate through these turbulent times, the importance of strategic responses cannot be understated.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the dialogue open and informed as we look toward the future.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you to all our viewers for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to cover this crucial issue.