Biden Approves Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles Against Russia
U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy long-range American Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against military targets inside Russia, a U.S. official confirmed on Sunday. This policy shift follows escalating tensions, including North Korea’s reported involvement in the conflict by sending troops to support Moscow.
The decision, long requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was praised by Poland. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated, “President Biden responded in a language that [Russian President] V. Putin understands,” emphasizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
Massive Russian Strikes and Power Cuts
The announcement came hours after Russia launched a major missile and drone attack across Ukraine, killing 19 civilians, including a child, and damaging critical energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s state power company, Ukrenergo, declared emergency power restrictions nationwide as the country braces for a harsh winter.
The attack, one of Russia’s largest, saw over 120 missiles and nearly 100 drones strike areas including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Lviv, Kherson, and Odesa. Civilian casualties and widespread destruction were reported.
International leaders condemned the strikes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres denounced them as targeting “energy and critical civilian infrastructure,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine.
Growing Global Tensions
Poland heightened its military readiness, scrambling fighter jets after a missile strike near its border. Meanwhile, reports suggest thousands of North Korean troops are reinforcing Russian positions, raising global security concerns.
Amid the devastation, Zelensky reiterated the need for “peace through strength,” dismissing attempts at diplomacy with Moscow as futile. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no interest in ending the war.
As the war approaches its 1,000th day, fears grow that the coming winter will be Ukraine’s toughest yet, with previous Russian attacks already decimating half of its energy infrastructure. Biden’s approval of long-range missile use underscores a significant escalation in international efforts to support Ukraine amid intensifying hostilities.
