President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of American long-range missiles inside Russia. This decision comes as reports confirm the arrival of thousands of North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region to support Moscow’s military operations.
What Biden’s Decision Means
The approval for Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) inside Russia is a significant shift. Until now, the missiles were only meant for defensive use within Ukraine. These weapons can hit targets nearly 180 miles away, giving Ukraine the ability to strike deep into Russian territory.
For months, Biden and his advisers debated this move. Some officials worried it could escalate the conflict, while others raised concerns about limited missile supplies. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long pushed for this, saying the missiles are critical for Ukraine to regain momentum in the war.
North Korean Troops Enter the Fight
Meanwhile, thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly joined Russian forces in Kursk, a southern region close to Ukraine’s border. Their presence is part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its position and prepare for a major counteroffensive.
This move has alarmed the U.S. and its allies, as it signals a deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea. Washington is now closely monitoring the situation, worried about the broader implications of this cooperation.
Ukraine’s Strategy for Using ATACMS
During a meeting at the White House in September, Zelensky shared a list of Russian targets he wanted to hit with U.S.-supplied missiles. These include military bases, supply hubs, and other strategic locations critical to Russia’s war operations.
Although Biden was initially hesitant to approve strikes inside Russia, he has now agreed to allow limited use of the missiles, giving Ukraine a stronger chance to disrupt Russian operations.
Ukraine’s Success with Strikes
Before receiving the green light for ATACMS, Ukraine had already been targeting Russian infrastructure using its own long-range drones. These strikes have damaged parts of Russia’s defense industry and disrupted key supply chains. The addition of ATACMS will give Ukraine more precision and range to hit valuable targets.
Why It Matters
This decision marks a turning point in the war. Allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia, Biden is taking a calculated risk to strengthen Ukraine’s position. At the same time, the presence of North Korean troops raises questions about how far other nations may go to influence the outcome of the conflict.
What’s Next?
With tens of thousands of Russian troops now stationed in Kursk, alongside North Korean forces, the region has become a major focus in the war. As Ukraine prepares for new offensives using U.S. missiles, the situation remains unpredictable, with global attention fixed on how this will shape the conflict.
