U.S. Missile Policy Shift Sparks Russian Outrage and World
War Warnings
President Biden's approval of Ukraine's use of U.S.-made
ATACMS missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory marks a significant
shift in American policy, triggering a furious response from Moscow. Russian
lawmakers close to President Vladimir Putin have labeled the decision
provocative and warned of escalating risks of a third world war.
The ATACMS missiles, with a range of 190 miles, vastly
outmatch the drones Ukraine previously deployed for limited strikes beyond its
border. Kyiv has long lobbied for these weapons, arguing their necessity to
target critical Russian infrastructure and weapon systems. The policy change
comes nearly 1,000 days into the Ukraine war, with Biden nearing the end of his
term and preparing to transition leadership to President-elect Trump, who
favors a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
The announcement coincided with devastating Russian missile
attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a strike on Sumy that killed 11 people
and wounded over 80 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed
the new U.S. stance, emphasizing the missiles’ potential to strengthen
Ukraine’s defense. However, he acknowledged the incoming U.S. administration's
likely pivot toward diplomacy.
Russian officials reacted with alarm. Lawmaker Leonid
Slutsky accused Biden of "ending his term as 'Bloody Joe,'" while
Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov claimed the move edges closer to a global conflict.
Russia's state media warned of NATO’s deepening involvement, amplifying fears
of escalation.
Analysts suggest the policy shift, though symbolically
significant, may have limited impact on the war’s trajectory. Reports indicate
restrictions on missile use, focusing primarily on Russian positions in the
Kursk region, where North Korean troops are reportedly aiding Moscow's forces.
Critics argue the move aligns with the U.S.'s incremental support strategy,
ensuring Ukraine can resist without provoking full-scale confrontation.
The decision underscores the precarious balance between
aiding Ukraine’s defense and managing global stability amid mounting tensions.
