Sun Nov 17 20:30:10 UTC 2024: ## Biden Administration Greenlights Ukraine Strikes Inside Russia

**Washington D.C.** – In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration will allow Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to strike targets within Russia, multiple news outlets reported Sunday. The move comes as President Biden prepares to leave office in January, with President-elect Donald Trump’s more Russia-friendly stance fueling speculation about the future of this policy.

Three sources, including two US officials, confirmed to Reuters that Ukraine plans to launch long-range attacks in the coming days. While the White House has remained silent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cryptically stated that the missiles “will speak for themselves.”

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed the news, suggesting it sends a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Conversely, Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov warned that such action could trigger World War III.

The decision allows Ukraine to utilize US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), with a range exceeding 190 miles. This fulfills a long-standing request from Zelenskyy to target deep Russian territory. Reports suggest that the UK and France may also permit similar actions by Ukraine using their own long-range missiles.

The move represents a major escalation, reversing Biden’s previous reluctance to arm Ukraine for strikes inside Russia, a concern driven by fears of direct conflict with Russia and its NATO allies. However, recent battlefield gains by Russia, bolstered by thousands of North Korean troops deployed to support the Russian offensive in the Kursk region, appear to have influenced the change in policy.

Moscow believes that a Trump presidency would lead to more favorable negotiations and possibly force Ukraine to cede territory. The incoming administration’s less supportive stance toward Ukraine raises questions about whether President-elect Trump will continue this authorization after taking office on January 20th. Trump has pledged to swiftly end the conflict but has yet to detail his approach.

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