Biden’s Authorization of U.S. Missiles for Ukraine: A Turning Point in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to conduct limited strikes within Russia using U.S.-supplied long-range missiles. This decision comes in response to North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine and follows intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Previously, the U.S. had restricted Ukraine from using these weapons inside Russian territory to avoid escalating tensions with Moscow. However, with President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism about continued military aid to Ukraine, set to assume office, Biden has lifted these restrictions. The White House and the Pentagon have declined to comment on this development.
This policy change allows Ukraine to utilize U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for deeper strikes inside Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Western allies had long pressed for this move to counter Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over a potential direct conflict involving the U.S. and NATO, and as President-elect Donald Trump has signaled his intention to end the war and criticized continued U.S. support for Ukraine. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $56.2 billion in aid since the beginning of the conflict in 2022.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now approaching its 1,000th day, has seen Russia continue to advance slowly but steadily in eastern Ukraine, controlling approximately one-fifth of the country. Despite substantial Western military aid, Ukraine is struggling with dwindling ammunition and morale, particularly after significant losses such as Bakhmut and Avdiivka. President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he could end the war quickly, potentially by halting aid to Ukraine, which could favor Russia. Russia, with help from allies like Iran and North Korea, continues its costly push for more territory, while Ukraine, lacking adequate resources, looks for further support from the West. A cease-fire could lead to a frozen conflict with no guarantee of long-term stability in Europe. The direction of the war will largely depend on the upcoming Trump administration’s policies.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, destroyed homes, and mass displacement of civilians. The Russian military’s relentless attacks on civilian areas using missiles, drones, and artillery have left deep scars, with communities thrust into chaos and vulnerability. The war’s toll is deeply felt in the funerals of soldiers and civilians, including children. The Associated Press’s coverage has been impactful, earning two Pulitzer Prizes for its photography and an Oscar for the documentary “20 Days in Mariupol.” The photographs and reports detail the profound human cost and enduring resilience amidst the devastation.
The U.S. Department of Defense has provided a timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, detailing the international security assistance that has had a significant impact in defending against Russian aggression within Ukraine and preparing the Ukrainian armed forces for the fight ahead.
The timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from 1 December 2023 to 31 March 2024 highlights an increased reliance on drones and missiles amid an increasing shortage of Ukrainian artillery ammunition and tanks.
The timeline of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from 1 August 2024 to the present day notes that two people were killed by Russian shelling in Nikopol, and a Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile vehicle was reportedly spotted by a Ukrainian drone in Kharkiv Oblast, suggesting that Russia is using North Korean-made armored vehicles.
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to reduce American support for Ukraine and seek a quick resolution to the conflict. This move is reportedly a response to North Korea’s decision to deploy thousands of troops in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This late-term policy change by Biden aims to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid escalating international involvement.
As Donald Trump’s election win brings the prospect of talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine closer, Kyiv is battling to put itself in the strongest position for any negotiations, including by securing more arms and holding out on the battlefield.
The Biden administration has announced more than $2.7 billion in military aid for Ukraine, aiming to boost Kyiv’s air defenses. This includes a $2.4 billion long-term assistance package providing another Patriot missile battery and munitions, and a $375 million immediate aid package containing glide bombs with cluster munitions, rockets, and artillery. Most of the aid represents long-term contracts, while some involve quicker deliveries from existing U.S. military stockpiles. This support raises the total U.S. aid for Ukraine to nearly $60 billion since the Russian invasion in February 2022. The aid enhances Ukraine’s defense capabilities and includes commitments to training more Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 jets and supporting the production of drones and munitions within Ukraine.
Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, are divided over whether to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles to target deep into Russian territory. As Ukraine strives to maintain territories gained in its summer offensive and inhibit Russian advances in the Donbas, it urges for the removal of restrictions on using weapons with ranges over 250 kilometers. US and UK officials recently visited Kyiv but did not announce any specific measures. US President Joe Biden indicated potential softening on restrictions, while the UK and France have gradually provided long-range missiles with limited use permissions. The Kremlin warned of serious responses to any policy changes by Ukraine’s allies. Western nations are concerned about potential escalations and the conflict spilling into neighboring countries. With political uncertainties in allied nations, immediate decisions appear unlikely, though discussions continue, especially as Ukraine pushes for enhanced defense capabilities against Russian attacks.
