Joe Biden has lifted the ban on Ukraine using long-range missiles to target Russian territory, allowing the use of US-made Atacms rockets with a range of 190 miles (300 km) against Russian and North Korean forces in the Kursk region. The decision is based on the presence of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
Although the White House has not officially commented, the story was initially reported in coordinated briefings to outlets like the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, and the Associated Press.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to confirm the change in policy, stating that any proof of the shift would be seen on the battlefield when the missiles are deployed.
“There’s a lot of media chatter today about us receiving permission for certain actions. But strikes are not made with words. These things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves. And they certainly will,” Zelenskyy said.
Poland’s foreign minister welcomed the move, stating on X, “With the involvement of North Korean troops and the massive Russian missile airstrikes, President Biden responded in a way that Putin understands.”
However, Vladimir Dzhabarov, the first deputy chairman of the Russian upper house’s international affairs committee, warned that Moscow would retaliate immediately.
“This is a major step towards the start of World War III,” Dzhabarov told the Tass news agency.
This is the first time Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles on Russian territory, although their use will be restricted to the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia earlier this summer.
