Ukraine's Zelenskyy says he wants to end war with Russia through diplomacy next year
CBSNOV 12 2024
Biden Allows Ukraine to Strike Deeper Into Russian Territory
Above: US Pres. Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 25, 2024. Image copyright: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia with long-range weapons, American officials confirmed to a number of publications on Sunday.
The debate about whether Ukraine should be allowed US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMS, has been a consistent theme of the war but, for the first two years of the conflict, was routinely rejected by the Biden administration over fears of escalation with Russia and stockpile concerns.
That was until October last year when the first policy reversal came. At the time, Ukraine was provided a more limited version of the weapon that — although fitted with cluster munitions — had a range of roughly 100 miles (160 km), and thus could only strike Russian-occupied regions of eastern Ukraine.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This move is intended to help Ukraine hold onto the Kursk region — an important bargaining chip in any upcoming negotiations. The decision was triggered by Putin's escalation of deploying thousands of North Korean troops into the conflict.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
This request has long been part of Ukraine's plan for victory. However, words on this decision have little impact — its weight and consequences will be felt directly on the battlefield.
Pro-Russia narrative
This reckless move by the US, UK, and France marks their direct participation in the conflict and is bound to have catastrophic consequences — including the very likely possibility of World War Three.