U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy long-range American missiles, known as Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), against targets inside Russia, according to a U.S. official. The move comes in response to North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to support Moscow in its war effort.
The decision, confirmed by The New York Times and The Washington Post, marks a significant policy shift. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long lobbied for access to the missiles to bolster his country’s defense capabilities.
Poland welcomed the development, with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stating on social media, “President Biden responded in a language that Putin understands. The victim of aggression has the right to defend itself.”
Massive Russian Barrage Targets Ukraine’s Power Grid
Biden’s decision was revealed hours after Russia launched one of its largest missile barrages against Ukraine, targeting the country’s energy grid. The strikes killed at least 19 civilians, including a child, and caused widespread power outages, prompting Ukraine’s state power company, Ukrenergo, to announce emergency restrictions as winter approaches.
Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties across multiple regions, including Sumy, Mykolaiv, Lviv, and Odesa. Russia claimed its strikes targeted Ukraine’s military-industrial complex but denied responsibility for civilian deaths.
The attacks drew sharp condemnation from international leaders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres denounced the strikes as an assault on civilian infrastructure, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, stating, “We will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Geopolitical Tensions Rise
The strikes follow reports of North Korean troops bolstering Russian forces and have fueled concerns about escalating global involvement in the conflict. NATO-member Poland scrambled fighter jets in response to a missile strike near its border, underscoring the growing regional security risks.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he “does not want peace” and remains unwilling to negotiate. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of the “serious implications for European security” stemming from Moscow’s partnership with Pyongyang.
Winter Looms as Conflict Intensifies
As the war nears its 1,000th day, fears are mounting over the hardships the approaching winter will bring. Ukrainian President Zelensky has warned that Russian attacks have already destroyed half of the country’s energy production capacity.
Despite the devastation, Zelensky emphasized resilience, urging the West to provide continued support. “We need peace through strength, not appeasement,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.
Strategic Developments and Fallout
The U.S. decision to greenlight ATACMS reflects a strategic pivot aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s offensive capabilities. It also underscores the intensifying international stakes in a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
As civilian casualties rise and geopolitical tensions deepen, the coming months may prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of a war that has already reshaped global alliances and tested the resolve of nations worldwide.
