Before the end of his term, U.S. President Joe Biden decided to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles to strike targets within Russia.
According to The New York Times, Biden's decision has aided Ukraine but also created a complex dilemma for his successor, Donald Trump.
ATACMS missiles, which can hit targets up to 290 miles away, enable Ukraine to target key military bases, ammunition depots, and logistics centers. Primarily, their use could weaken the Russian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, where Moscow plans to deploy North Korean units.
Following Biden's decision, Moscow immediately stated that Washington's new move "raises tensions to a qualitatively new level." However, analysts note that Russia is not yet prepared for an immediate response. It is likely to be limited to asymmetrical actions or an increase in military attacks on Ukraine.
At the same time, the decision to permit long-range strikes impacts Trump, who during his campaign claimed he would end the war in Ukraine. Allies of the newly elected U.S. president believe Biden's decision on ATACMS complicates these promises. However, Ukrainian leaders will likely use this as an argument that a strong, armed Ukraine is capable of negotiating more effectively.
Source: nytimes.