In a move that could escalate tensions between the West and Russia, President Joe Biden recently authorised Ukraine to use U.S.-made ATACMS missiles to target Russian territory. This decision represents a major shift in U.S. policy and has sparked outrage in Moscow, with Russian officials warning that it could lead to a third world war.
While Russia’s reaction has been fierce, the policy change is part of Ukraine’s continued push to defend its territory and weaken Russia’s military capabilities. This blog post delves into the details of Biden’s decision, the potential consequences for international relations, and why Russia is so vehemently opposed to the move.
Why Biden’s Decision to Allow Ukraine to Use ATACMS Missiles Matters
Biden’s decision to approve the use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine is a significant turning point in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. These long-range missiles, which have a range of up to 190 miles, allow Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory than ever before. This capability is crucial as Ukraine seeks to disrupt Russian military operations and target critical infrastructure before it is deployed.
Ukraine’s Request for ATACMS Missiles: Ukraine has been lobbying for months to receive long-range missiles, with the goal of targeting Russian military positions and preventing further missile strikes against Ukrainian civilians. The ATACMS, which are much more advanced than the non-U.S. explosive drones Ukraine had been using, are harder to intercept and capable of causing significantly more damage.
Why Biden Hesitated – and Why He Changed His Mind: For months, the Biden administration hesitated to approve the use of such advanced weaponry, fearing it could escalate the war and draw NATO countries directly into the conflict. However, following Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas, including the deadly strikes in the city of Sumy that killed 11 people, Biden’s stance seemed to shift. With pressure mounting and Russia’s increasing military aggression, the U.S. decided that the change in policy was necessary.
This shift is seen as a response to Russia’s escalating tactics, including the deployment of North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine. This move marks a significant moment in the war, as it highlights the growing global implications of the conflict.
Russia’s Furious Reaction: Warnings of a World War
Moscow’s response to Biden’s decision has been swift and intense. Russian officials have been vocal about their opposition to the U.S. supplying Ukraine with advanced missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Key figures in Russia have called the move unacceptable, and some have warned that it could lead to World War III.
Russian Lawmakers Speak Out: Leonid Slutsky, a senior Russian lawmaker, accused Biden of trying to end his presidency as a “Bloody Joe,” alluding to the potential devastating consequences of his decision. Vladimir Dzhabarov, another prominent Russian senator, stated that the move was a dangerous step toward a third world war.
The official state newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, also joined in condemning the decision, suggesting that the U.S. and NATO may be pushing Russia towards direct conflict. President Vladimir Putin had already warned earlier this year that supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles would effectively make NATO and the U.S. parties to the war, a notion that has now become more tangible following Biden’s approval of the ATACMS.
A New Phase in the Conflict: Putin’s military strategy has evolved in response to the shifting dynamics of the war. The deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces marks a significant development, as it represents the first known involvement of foreign troops in the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. This escalation, coupled with Biden’s missile approval, signals that the war is increasingly becoming a global conflict.
The Impact of ATACMS Missiles on the War in Ukraine
The introduction of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine’s arsenal is likely to have a profound impact on the battlefield. These missiles offer Ukraine a significant advantage, allowing it to strike Russian military positions deeper within Russian-held territory.
What This Means for Ukraine:
- Stronger Defence: By hitting Russian military targets before they can launch attacks, Ukraine hopes to reduce the intensity of Russian missile strikes on its own infrastructure.
- Increased Escalation: While the move will certainly allow Ukraine to retaliate more effectively, it also increases the risk of further escalation. The use of these advanced missiles may provoke a more forceful response from Russia, with unpredictable consequences.
- Potential Limitations: Reports suggest that the U.S. may limit the use of these missiles to specific areas such as the Kursk region, where Russian defensive positions are concentrated. This could prevent Ukraine from launching unrestricted strikes deeper into Russian territory, aiming to limit the risk of a broader conflict.
Diplomacy or Escalation? What’s Next for Ukraine and Russia?
As the war approaches its third year, the situation remains tense. While Ukraine has welcomed Biden’s support, its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has also acknowledged that diplomacy may offer a way out of the conflict. In an interview, Zelenskyy expressed hope that the war could end soon through diplomatic negotiations, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election. A potential change in leadership could shift the U.S. approach towards a negotiated peace deal.
Zelenskyy’s Perspective:
- Support for Diplomacy: While Ukraine is preparing for more intense fighting with the new missiles, Zelenskyy has indicated that the war may need to end through diplomatic means, particularly as the Biden administration nears its end.
- Impact of Trump’s Presidency: The possibility of President Trump taking office and altering the U.S. stance on Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty looms large. Trump is expected to take a less aggressive approach toward supporting Ukraine, which could dramatically change the course of the war.
Conclusion: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
Biden’s decision to approve ATACMS missiles for Ukraine marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. While it strengthens Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and strike at critical Russian infrastructure, it also increases the risk of a broader conflict. Russia’s warnings of a third world war serve as a stark reminder of the fragile state of global peace. As the war continues to escalate, the world watches closely to see whether diplomacy can prevail or whether the conflict will spiral into something far more catastrophic.
