According to reports from The New York Times, United States President Joe Biden has, for the first time, permitted Ukraine to deploy long-range ATACMS missiles against targets within Russian territory. This decision, confirmed by unnamed American officials, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards providing Ukraine with tools to respond to Russia’s recent collaboration with North Korean forces.
The New York Times reports that Ukraine is expected to initially target Russian and North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region. American officials say Biden’s authorisation of ATACMS strikes is, in part, a response to Russia’s unexpected decision to involve North Korean soldiers in the conflict. Although U.S. sources doubt this measure will drastically alter the course of the war, the move is seen as a message to North Korea regarding the vulnerability of its forces and as a deterrent against further deployments to assist Russia.
Expanded Strike Potential
While initial operations will likely focus on Russian and North Korean positions in the Kursk region, the report indicates that Biden may expand permissions to allow Ukrainian forces to utilise the missiles in additional Russian territories. American officials have reportedly weighed the potential repercussions of strikes on Russian soil, with some expressing concerns that such actions could provoke an escalated response from Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, other U.S. representatives consider these concerns overstated.
ATACMS missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 300 kilometres away, would enable Ukrainian forces to target key Russian and North Korean military concentrations, equipment, supply lines, and ammunition depots. The goal, according to U.S. officials, is to disrupt the efficacy of the Russo-North Korean offensive and curb its supply channels. By applying pressure through targeted strikes, Ukraine may gain a tactical advantage in regions where its ground forces face significant opposition.
Strategic Aims and International Reactions
The primary rationale behind Biden’s policy shift appears to be twofold: first, to enable Ukraine to achieve specific strategic objectives that were previously beyond its reach, and second, to signal to North Korea that its intervention in the conflict carries substantial risks. The potential for a strengthened Ukrainian position could also create leverage in hypothetical negotiations over contested territories, although this outcome remains speculative.
In addition to the U.S. stance, European allies have shown cautious support for Ukrainian requests to expand missile strikes into Russian territory. However, British and French leaders have refrained from officially endorsing Ukrainian missile strikes within Russia without U.S. consent, making Biden’s decision particularly pivotal.
North Korea’s Role and Future Implications
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that North Korea could dispatch up to 100,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort, signalling a substantial shift in its involvement. For Ukraine and its allies, North Korea’s intervention poses a fresh strategic challenge, potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict.
The introduction of ATACMS missiles as a countermeasure to this increased troop presence could limit the operational effectiveness of Russian and North Korean forces on Ukrainian territory and in neighbouring Russian regions. This policy decision indicates a more robust American response to the Russia-North Korea alliance.
