PRESIDENT Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to employ US-provided long-range weaponry within Russia for limited strikes, According to two US officials.
Long-standing restrictions are being relaxed as North Korea deploys hundreds of troops to Russia’s Kursk region to assist Russian troops battle Ukrainian forces.
The new power covers Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which Ukrainian officials requested from the Biden administration. U.S. officials had objected, citing worries about a limited stockpile, the shifting of Russian assets outside of ATACMS range, and the fact that Ukraine has successfully used other assets, particularly drones, rendering ATACMS less important in the conflict.
However, Biden officials have criticized the North Korean deployment as a potential extension of the conflict. The ATACMS may be employed in and around Kursk.
The Defense Department and the White House did not respond.
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, said in a statement that while he is “encouraged” by the decision, it “does not excuse the administration’s deliberate slow-walking of items and assistance long authorized by Congress for use against Putin’s illegal aggression.”
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, chairman of the Intelligence Committee, also praised the decision in a statement, calling it “overdue.”
“Ukraine can’t properly defend itself if one hand is tied behind its back,” he said.
Wicker and Turner’s offices claimed in comments that they had been requesting that the Biden administration lift limits on the full deployment of ATACMS.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and President-elect Donald Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., both slammed the move, claiming it may spark World War III.
“On his way out of office, Joe Biden is dangerously trying to start WWIII by authorizing Ukraine the use of U.S. long-range missiles into Russia,” Greene stated on one reliable media outlet. “The American people gave a mandate on Nov 5th against these exact America last decisions and do NOT want to fund or fight foreign wars.”
In May, Biden covertly authorized Ukraine to deploy American weaponry to strike Russia just across the border. According to sources, Ukraine was not allowed to use longer-range weaponry to strike deeper into the country at the time.
The adjustment in US policy comes near the end of Biden’s presidency. Trump has promised to curtail US support for Ukraine and end its conflict with Russia.
The United States has provided $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, far more than any other country, considering American support critical to Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Withdrawing support could have a significant impact on Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s attacks.
On Sunday, Russia launched a missile barrage into Ukraine, killing at least seven people and badly damaging the electrical infrastructure.