President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use advanced long-range US weapons inside Russia, a senior US official confirmed. This decision comes as North Korean troops arrive to support Russia’s efforts, raising concerns over escalating the conflict.
Russia has deployed nearly 50,000 troops to Kursk, a region where Ukraine launched a surprise counteroffensive earlier this summer. Thousands of North Korean soldiers are also reportedly in the area, prompting fears that their involvement could lead to a dangerous shift in the war.
The approval to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) inside Russia had been under review for months. While some US officials feared the move could escalate the war, others were concerned about dwindling weapon supplies. The US had initially withheld ATACMS from Ukraine for two years due to production and readiness challenges. However, Biden secretly authorized the transfer of these missiles for use within Ukraine’s borders in February, with deliveries starting in April.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had long pushed for the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory. During a meeting at the White House in September, Zelensky presented a detailed list of Russian targets he wanted to hit with the long-range missiles as part of his strategy for victory. While Biden did not fully commit to the request, he agreed to continue discussions.
Ukraine has already carried out several successful deep strikes inside Russia using its own long-range drones, which have damaged key parts of Russia’s defense infrastructure. US officials noted that many of Russia’s most important targets are now located beyond the 180-mile range of the ATACMS. However, Ukraine insists that enough high-value Russian assets remain within range, including military bases and production facilities.
