Thu Nov 21 11:58:01 UTC 2024: ## Biden’s Risky Gambit: Deep Strikes into Russia Escalate Ukraine War Amidst Allied Divisions
**Kyiv/Brussels/Washington D.C.** – The Ukraine war has escalated dramatically following President Biden’s authorization of Ukrainian use of US Army Tactical Missiles (ATACMS) inside Russia, triggering a sharp response from Moscow and exposing deep divisions within the Western alliance.
Biden’s controversial decision, made amid a looming Trump presidency and North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, permits strikes up to 300km within Russian territory. This reversal of a previous ban has been lauded by Britain and France, who have already supplied Ukraine with long-range missiles and authorized their use in Russia’s Kursk region. However, Germany continues to resist supplying its Taurus missiles, citing concerns about escalation. Chancellor Scholz’s recent phone call with Putin further fueled tensions.
The move comes as the EU plans to redirect up to €372 billion in Brussels subsidies towards military purposes, diverting funds from growth projects to bolster defenses. The Biden administration is also rapidly supplying Ukraine with $7.1 billion in military equipment.
Russia, meanwhile, has characterized Biden’s decision as “direct involvement” and vowed a “tangible” response. The Kremlin, while posturing as a peacemaker, insists on Ukraine’s complete withdrawal from territories it currently occupies as a condition for negotiations. This rhetoric contrasts sharply with the intensified Russian attacks, reportedly resulting in thousands of casualties. Recent missile strikes on civilian areas in Sumy and Odesa have underscored the rising intensity of the conflict.
Ukraine has already used ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, including military logistics centers and a joint Russian-North Korean command headquarters. This action has further intensified the conflict, prompting Hungary, which opposes EU sanctions against Russia, to express deep concern over the escalating situation.
Retired US General Ben Hodges highlighted a missed opportunity last year for stronger unified allied support for Ukraine. The lack of complete allied unity has been seized upon by Russia, highlighting the contrasting positions of Macron and Scholz.
Ukraine, facing logistical challenges, is accelerating its domestic weapons production to alleviate dependence on Western supplies. The conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation hanging heavy amidst a fractured Western alliance and a looming change in US leadership.
First Piper 