Biden Approves Ukraine's ATACMS Missiles against Targets in Russia; Will lead to WW III Says Kremlin

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U.S. President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine's use of American-made ATACMS ballistic missiles for operations within Russian territory, marking a shift in Washington's policy.

The decision, reported by senior U.S. officials cited by The New York Times, reflects growing concerns over the evolving dynamics of the conflict involving Russia, Ukraine, and North Korea.

Biden earlier allowed Ukraine to use High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) with a 75 km range to defend Kharkiv. The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), with a range of around 300 km, enables Ukraine to strike critical Russian targets. Kyiv has long requested these missiles, asserting they are necessary to counter Russia's military capabilities. Previously, the U.S. restricted their use to avoid escalating the conflict.

This policy adjustment comes as reports indicate that Russia has deployed approximately 10,000 North Korean troops to its Kursk region, supporting operations against Ukraine. According to a U.S. official, the decision aims to signal that North Korea's involvement will carry consequences, including potential military setbacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not confirm the strike approval but emphasized the importance of the number of missiles over lifted restrictions. “Today, many in the media are talking about the fact that we have received permission to take appropriate actions… But blows are not inflicted with words. Such things are not announced. The rockets will speak for themselves,” he said in his nightly address.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that strikes on Russian territory using U.S. weapons could escalate the conflict, potentially altering its scope. Moscow recently revised its nuclear doctrine in response to perceived threats. Putin has also issued a direct nuclear threat to Western nations, warning that any conventional military attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, could provoke a nuclear response.

A top Kremlin official responded assertively to the news of permission for ATACMS strikes inside Russia, "Permission for American missile strikes deep into Russia is an unprecedented step that leads to the start of the third world war, Russia's response will be immediate"- First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov.

Pentagon officials, however, believe the impact of the ATACMS strikes may be limited, as Russia has moved key assets further inland.

The Russian military, joined by 50,000 troops, including North Koreans, is launching a major assault on Ukrainian positions in Kursk to reclaim territory seized by Ukraine in August. Ukraine could use ATACMS missiles to target troop concentrations, equipment, logistics, depots, and supply lines deep inside Russia, potentially weakening the assault.

The decision to arm Ukraine with long-range ATACMS has been contentious since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Pentagon officials cited limited U.S. supplies, while others feared escalation from Putin. Supporters argue Biden's cautious approach has averted violent Russian responses but say it disadvantages Ukraine militarily.

Ukraine launched its own offensive in Kursk in August, stretching its forces thin against simultaneous Russian assaults. North Korea’s troop deployment has intensified concerns in Washington. Biden’s approval of ATACMS aims to counter these threats and deter North Korea, despite risks of Russian retaliation.

Some Republican lawmakers criticized Biden for delaying the decision, while British and French leaders provided limited long-range missiles but awaited U.S. approval for strikes on Russian soil. Zelensky has long sought such weapons, arguing they are essential for effective defense.

U.S. intelligence warned Putin might retaliate with sabotage or attacks on NATO facilities, but Biden’s decision factored in the urgency of the Kursk conflict and the need to counter Russian and North Korean moves. The policy change is unlikely to alter the war’s course but allows Ukraine to strike high-value targets and signals North Korea’s involvement will have costs.

Biden faced a similar dilemma earlier when agreeing to supply ATACMS for use in Crimea, supplementing British and French missiles. Ukraine used these in strikes on Russian targets in Crimea and the Black Sea, but its current ATACMS stock for Kursk is unclear.