Biden approves Ukraine's use of U.S. arms to strike inside Russia

WASHNGTON,— The Biden administration has given Ukraine permission to use U.S.-made weapons to target Russian military sites deep within Russian territory, according to two U.S. officials and one source close to the matter, Reuters reported.

It marked a major breakthrough in the Biden administration’s policy toward the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Sources indicate that Ukraine is set to launch its first long-range strikes in the coming days. However, details on the specific targets have been withheld for security reasons.

This change in policy comes just two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. It follows repeated requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for permission to use U.S. weapons to strike Russian forces further from Ukraine’s borders.

The decision also comes after growing concerns in Washington and Kyiv over Russia’s recent actions, including the deployment of North Korean ground troops to support its forces.

In a televised address, President Zelensky alluded to the new capabilities, stating that the missiles “will speak for themselves.” He also clarified that such military actions would not be publicly announced in advance.

The White House and U.S. State Department have declined to comment on the matter, and the Kremlin has yet to respond.

However, Russian officials have strongly warned that this decision could lead to significant escalation. Vladimir Dzhabarov, a senior Russian legislator, said the U.S. support for Ukraine’s long-range strikes could be the starting line for a third world war. Other Russian officials suggested that such a move could result in the collapse of Ukrainian statehood.

The strikes are likely to involve ATACMS missiles, which have a range of up to 190 miles (306 kilometers).

Despite some skepticism among U.S. officials about the impact of long-range strikes on the course of the war, the move could potentially shift the balance at a time when Russian forces are gaining ground. It may also improve Ukraine’s position in any future ceasefire negotiations.

Looking ahead, it remains unclear whether President Trump will reverse this decision upon taking office.

Trump has openly criticized U.S. military involvement in Ukraine and financial support for Ukraine, although he has not outlined a specific strategy for ending the conflict.

A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to inquiries, but one of his top foreign policy advisers, Richard Grenell, expressed disapproval of the decision.

(With files from Reuters)