The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a warning on 18 November, stating that if Ukraine conducts attacks on Russian territory using US-provided ATACMS missiles, it would regard such actions as direct involvement by the United States in the ongoing war.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova characterised the use of these long-range missiles by Ukraine as a “radical change” in the war’s nature and declared that Russia would respond “appropriately and tangibly” if strikes occurred.
The statement comes amid reports that US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles against Russian military targets, reportedly focusing on sites in Russia’s Kursk region. While this decision remains unconfirmed by the White House, Axios reports that it is a measured response to alleged North Korean support for Russia, including the provision of troops and military equipment. When asked, White House officials declined to confirm the authorisation for such strikes but noted that the administration has been assessing responses to North Korean involvement.
Trump Advisor Cautions Against Escalation
Adding to the tension, Congressman Mike Waltz, a senior Republican from Florida and a foreign policy advisor to former President Donald Trump, publicly expressed concern over the Biden administration’s approach.
In a Fox News interview, Waltz described the alleged authorisation as “another step towards escalation,” emphasising the unpredictability of the potential outcomes. Waltz stated that the administration’s move to lift restrictions on the use of ATACMS against Russian territory might lead to an intensification of the conflict.
According to Waltz, the Biden administration’s response is partially driven by North Korea’s military involvement on the Russian side, which reportedly includes the supply of ballistic missiles, artillery, and thousands of troops.
The situation is further complicated by reports of Iran supplying oil to China, which may, in turn, be funding military support to Russia, including missiles and drones used against critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
Waltz added that the Biden administration’s strategy lacks the long-term focus he believes is essential. He argued that former President Trump would prioritise a “big-picture strategy” aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
Waltz suggested that a more sustainable approach might involve establishing clear frameworks for dialogue, though he acknowledged the complexities of reaching a peace settlement under current circumstances.
Escalation Risks in the Russia-Ukraine War
This potential escalation raises questions about the broader geopolitical stakes. The Biden administration has thus far provided incremental support to Ukraine, mindful of the risk of direct US involvement in the conflict. However, the decision to allow Kyiv to use advanced weaponry such as ATACMS for strikes on Russian soil—if confirmed—would mark a significant shift in US policy.
Ukraine initially deployed ATACMS last month in attacks on Russian-controlled territories within Ukraine, which Moscow considers part of its sovereign land following referendums condemned by the international community. However, extending these strikes to undisputed Russian territories, such as the Kursk region, could be seen as a significant escalation.
U.S. Greenlights Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles Against Russian and North Korean Forces
