Get your ticket to GaijinPot Expo 2024
U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia, easing limitations on the weapons as Russia deploys thousands of North Korean troops to reinforce its war, according to a U.S. official and three other people familiar with the matter.
The decision allowing Kyiv to use the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMs, for attacks farther inside Russia comes as President Vladimir Putin positions North Korean troops along Ukraine's northern border to try to reclaim hundreds of miles of territory seized by Ukrainian forces.
Biden's move also follows the presidential election victory of Donald Trump, who has said he would bring about a swift end to the war and raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the United States' vital military support for Ukraine.
The official and the others knowledgeable about the matter were not authorized to discuss the U.S. decision publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reaction Sunday was notably restrained.
“Strikes are not made with words," he said during his nightly video address. “Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.”
Zelenskyy and many of his Western supporters have been pressing Biden for months to allow Ukraine to strike military targets deeper inside Russia with Western-supplied missiles, saying the U.S. ban had made it impossible for Ukraine to try to stop Russian attacks on its cities and electrical grids.
Zelenskyy's statement came shortly after he posted a message of condolence on Telegram following a Russian attack on a nine-story building that killed at least eight people in the northern city of Sumy, 40 kilometers from the border with Russia.
Russia also launched a massive drone and missile attack, described by officials as the largest in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians. The attack came as fears are mounting about Moscow’s intentions to devastate Ukraine’s power generation capacity before the winter.
“And this is the answer to everyone who tried to achieve something with Putin through talks, phone calls, hugs, and appeasement,” Zelenskyy said.
Some supporters have argued that the limitation and other U.S. constraints could cost Ukraine the war. The debate has become a source of disagreement among Ukraine’s NATO allies.
Biden had remained opposed, determined to hold the line against any escalation that he felt could draw the U.S. and other NATO members into direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia.
News of Biden's decision followed meetings over the last two days with the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China. The addition of North Korean troops was central to the talks, which took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru.
Biden did not mention the decision during a speech at a stop in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil on his way to the Group of 20 summit.
Asked about the decision, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a press conference that the body’s position is “to avoid a permanent deterioration of the war in Ukraine.”
“We want peace, we want fair peace,” Guterres said on Sunday before the summit in Rio de Janeiro. He didn't elaborate.
The longer-range missiles are likely to be used in response to North Korea’s decision to support Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, according to one of the people familiar with the development.
The overall supply of ATACMS missiles is short, so U.S. officials in the past have questioned whether they could give Ukraine enough to make a difference. Some supporters of Ukraine say that even a few long-range strikes deeper inside Russia would force its military to change deployments and expend more of its resources.
North Korea has provided thousands of troops to Russia to help Moscow try to claw back land in the Kursk border region that Ukraine seized this year. The introduction of North Korean troops to the conflict comes as Moscow has seen a favorable shift in momentum. Trump has signaled that he could push Ukraine to agree to give up some land seized by Russia to find an end to the conflict.
As many as 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, according to U.S., South Korean and Ukrainian assessments. U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials say North Korea also has provided Russia with significant amounts of munitions to replenish its dwindling weapons stockpiles.
Trump, who takes office in January, spoke for months as a candidate about wanting Russia’s war in Ukraine to be over, but he mostly ducked questions about whether he wanted U.S. ally Ukraine to win.
He also repeatedly slammed the Biden administration for giving Kyiv tens of billions of dollars in aid. His victory has Ukraine’s international backers worrying that any rushed settlement would mostly benefit Putin.
America is Ukraine’s most valuable ally in the war, providing more than $56.2 billion in security assistance since Russian forces invaded in February 2022.
Worried about Russia’s response, however, the Biden administration repeatedly has delayed providing some specific advanced weapons sought by Ukraine, agreeing only under pressure from Kyiv, its supporters and in consultation with allies.
That includes initially refusing Zelenskyy’s pleas for advanced tanks, Patriot air defense systems and F-16 fighter jets, among other systems.
The White House agreed in May to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weaponry for limited strikes just across the border with Russia.
© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
64 Comments
Login to comment
Underworld
Good news for Ukraine. They can remove the threat outside the borders.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Good. Let 47 and Putin figure out this lockbox and realize a ceasefire is the only answer.
falseflagsteve
This will lead to increased attacks on Ukraine, that’s how Putin works.
Bidens last hoorah is this daft move that will lead to earlier defeat of Ukraine and increased deaths of innocents.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Do you think Putin will take the last of Ukraine before January 20th? Do you think appeasing dictators is the right approach?
falseflagsteve
Taiwan
Both men are dictators and rinsing wealth from their nations as well as their closest friends.
Putin has no intention of taking the whole of Ukraine of invading neighbouring nations as the fear mongering nut jobs have claimed on numerous occasions.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Zelenskyy was never given the chance to be a democratic president before his country was heinously assaulted. Usually the stories of shopping trips and overseas properties come from Moscow.
Not according to some of your fellow Putin well wishers.
Wick's pencil
Yeah, time is running out for getting direct US involvement in was until now a US proxy war against Russia.
This will not end well for Ukraine (and US).
Underworld
falseflagsteve
As if he could increase the number of attacks on civilians that he is already doing.
Nope. It will allow Ukraine to fight this war without its hands tied.
deanzaZZR
@falseflagsteve Spot on.
Underworld
falseflagsteve
Zelensky isn’t a dictator. Putin is.
Putin tried to take Kyiv and failed. He wants control over the whole country.
Also, if he took Ukraine, Moldova would be next. He is already interfering with elections in that country. Hybrid warfare.
Underworld
falseflagsteve
So why do you equate Zelensky with Putin? There is no comparison. Zelensky is defending his country from an imperialist invasion from Russia.
falseflagsteve
Underworld
Oh yeah, must be true. Zelensky will never allow elections again until he is removed which will be soon.
Taiwan
When you have to dehumanise to make your point then you have lost the argument. I comment regularly on any conflicts, I don’t care who ‘wins’ because there’s never a real winner, history has shown that.
Underworld
falseflagsteve
Underworld
How disingenuous. Elections are rather meaningless during an invasion. You are equating a dictator who is conducting an imperialist war against an innocent country and its leader who is trying to save his country.
wallace
Ukraine elections are not allowed while there is Marshal Law which will stay in place until there is an end to the Russian invasion and war.
wallace
Some posters claim to be neutral and then post very negative comments about Zelenskyy.
falseflagsteve
Wallace
Elections are allowed but he refuses to have them. Plenty to say negative about Zelensky bruv, check out the media reports about him before the conflict started, they aren’t positive. It all changed when Putin became the bogeyman and Zelensky the golden boy. Many forget Putin was treated like that 15 years or so ago by the media. Zelensky’s use will be over soon and stuff will come out to changed peoples perceptions.
This is how it works and people fall for it as they did with Saddam and Gaddafi.
Underworld
falseflagsteve
Like what? BTW he was elected, unlike Putin.
Invading an innocent country will do that.
By standing up to Putin to defend his country after the US offered an escape.
No, he never was.
Fighto!
Excellent.
Time to push back and hit the suburbs of Moscow. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
FizzBit
Yep, this was bound to happen as the Dem warmongers have to escalate fast cuz they see their days are numbered. Any doubt now that Biden & gang are warmongers bent on WWIII? Shame on all who support and defend these evil people
Fighto!
Eternal shame on all who support illegal, aggressive invasions, land grabs and fascism of Russia.
Pukey2
Strange how even USA managed to have elections in the middle of WWII whereas this comedian decided to forgo them a while back.
falseflagsteve
Underworld
https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/11/images/20061115-1_d-0123-515h.html
its all out there for public view.
wallace
ffs
Not sacrificing democracy: why Ukraine cannot hold elections under the martial law
https://war.ukraine.ua/articles/not-sacrificing-democracy-why-ukraine-cannot-hold-elections-under-the-martial-law/
Ukraine Can’t Hold Elections During the War. Does It Matter?
https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/ukraine-cant-hold-elections-during-the-war-does-it-matter/
wallace
The USA was not under invasion or attack on the mainland. There was no Martial Law.
falseflagsteve
Wallace
But they can have elections if they wanted, there’s nothing stopping him. He’s a dictator, oppressing certain sections of soviet, banning religious freedom and surrounding himself with yes men after sacking anyone who differs from his view. He’s doing the same as Putin, two peas in a pod.
Jimizo
I,must,have missed that,Steve.
Which media were doing that?
Mr Kipling
Yet another story from Ukraine failing to mention how bad things are going for the Ukrainians in the east.
The targeting info for the use of these "wonder weapons" comes from NATO. So NATO is using NATO weapons to target Russia. Putin would be in his right to target NATO assets flying over the Black Sea. I don't think this will happen as the new "wonder weapon" will have no more effect than all the others.
Underworld
Pukey2
Funny how the US wasn’t being invaded in WWII.
Underworld
falseflagsteve
How do troops go to the polls? How do people vote, when going outside is risking you life.
No. He is not.
He has the right to select his cabinet.
Dishonest take. Putin is running an imperialist war against Ukraine. Zelensky is just looking after his country.
Jimizo
Not really.
The UK, under perceived threat of invasion, didn’t hold an election which was due in 1940. Ukraine has been actually invaded.
Maybe a better point of reference in this situation.
falseflagsteve
Mr Kipling
So true, can’t believe how many people lap up this constant flood of codswallop re Ukraine. The Spring Offensive springs to mind.
Jimizo
What media are you reading?
WoodyLee
Mr. Biden could care less about the rest of the world now that he is on his way out.
wallace
falseflagsteve
You claim to be neutral.
Zaphod
This is insane. In its last minute in office, this admin is playing with WW3. Are they that desparate to spoil the incoming admin?
TaiwanIsNotChina
Only if you are incapable of reading further.
You don't comment on the ME conflict or Sudan. You clearly have some need to appear first on Ukraine stories, though.
Zaphod
Underworld
falseflagsteve
Reality check: Putin was re-elected, while Zelenski has cancelled elections and outlawed opposition parties. Where do you get your information from?
Jimizo
Where do you get yours from?
I think you watch Joe Rogan.
Where should we get our information on this invasion from?
Links would be absolutely delightful.
TaiwanIsNotChina
It takes a while for a country to extricate itself from the russian way of doing business.
Putin hasn't been a darling since the 2008 invasion of Georgia. You may be have been thinking he was still a great guy but nobody else was buying the Kremlin line.
Tokyo Guy
This will likely be the last time the US government does something morally correct in regard to the Ukraine situation. It is smart of Biden to permit this, before Trump throws Ukraine under the bus (along with Taiwan, no doubt) and tells the world's despots that everything is fair game now.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Russia has not felt the proper impact of their illegal war of aggression that would make holding elections, even fake elections, difficult.
Tokyo Guy
Reality check: Putin was re-elected
With 88 per cent of the vote. I mean, they couldn't even make it look like it was a proper election.
The only people who think Putin is in power through the force of his political skill are Russian bot farm workers. Heck, they probably don't even believe that, but when your income depends on saying the right things...
WoodyLee
Ukraine can fire what ever it wants and all it wants it doesn't mean anything.
Russia is capable to end this war in a very UGLY way if it wishes to.
There is no other solution but to start talking.
ian
No word if authorization limited to Kursk region?
falseflagsteve
Jimizo
https://youtu.be/00JgUL57X7s?si=SvmFWTRMIOZ-PCA4
Check the audience members.
Erm what media? Are you having a giraffe? I mentioned the infamous Spring Offensive, we all read everywhere about how that would finally push the Russians out armed with shovels and empty vodka bottles.
Already poste a link earlier
Jimizo
I didn’t read that.
We all read everywhere? What? It’s this ‘everyone knows’ stuff again. It’s not serious.
I think what’s happening here is you are repeating what certain media said about the media in general.
This happens a lot.
kurisupisu
Anybody seeking escalation of conflict has obviously little experience of a war zone.
If they had then they’d be begging both sides to seek peace!
Underworld
Zaphod
Like what? BTW he was elected, unlike Putin.
Reality check: All opposition in Russia are either smeared by state media or murdered. There is no democracy in Russia.
Fos
As we all know the United States played a key role in generating and perpetuating this terrible conflict in Ukraine. The Russians are totally in control on the field, and will dictate the rules on the diplomatic front to resolve the impasse and bring back peace and stability in Eastern Europe. We really need to celebrate the change of US administration, not having to see around the likes of Anthony Blinken, Lloyd Austin, John Kirby.
Tokyo Guy
Russia is capable to end this war in a very UGLY way if it wishes to.
Evidently it doesn't wish to, as it's been trying for coming up three years.
Are you insinuating that they enjoy engaging in a drawn-out conflict which they were sure they were going to win in no time at all? I mean I'm sure that living in Russia sucks, but to the extent that a three year military action against a country almost one thirtieth smaller than you is actually a preferable way to live?
(Then again the Russians tried it with Japan, which is 45 times smaller, and they lost that one too).
So. Much. Losing.
ian
The one you quoted was saying Russia doesn't wish to end the war in a very ugly way
ian
Does Ukraine have authorization now to strike anywhere inside russia using the long range missiles or just Kursk region?
Underworld
Fos
The US played no role in generating this conflict in Ukraine and the only role they play now is in allowing Ukraine to defend itself.
Putin can bring back peace and stability in Eastern Europe by withdrawing from Ukraine and stopping his hybrid war in Moldova.
Not sure what the new administration will bring.
Fos
And just in case some of our participants wants to catch up with some history, Bucharest 2018. This is when the conflict started:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0epyHOz-Pbs
JJE
Basically, Joe tries to do more damage to public decency.
Irony is this lame duck did more damage pre-electoral rout.
TaiwanIsNotChina
So, it wasn't the evil replacement of Ukraine's government with a Zelenskyy dictatorship? I am very confused.
The russian is in control of only 1/5 of Ukraine and will dictate only what they spend enough bodies on.
I'm glad you have such confidence in 47 but more than likely he has outlived his usefulness to Putin and 47 will do a 180 as he always does.
stormcrow
Watch what happens when Trump takes office. He'll probably reverse everything regarding long range missiles, take them away from Zelensky and give them to Putin instead.
TaiwanIsNotChina
russia isn't even on the chart of public decency so no worries there.
Tokyo Guy
I'm glad you have such confidence in 47 but more than likely he has outlived his usefulness to Putin and 47 will do a 180 as he always does.
Before they part ways, I expect a 69 will also be involved.
Tokyo Guy
russia isn't even on the chart of public decency so no worries there.
If the Russkiebots on here weren't so obvious, they might even be able to make Russia sound at least morally gray, but with their all-or-nothing hectoring, they really do show themselves up as ridiculous. "Russia is crushing Ukraine from every direction", "Russia is the most morally pure country in the world and Putin is doing the work of god", "Zelenskyy is Satan", and on it goes.
Fos
That is why we always recommend to check history books, not advice for investors distributed with the US military dispatches. The rest of the world knows the morality and ethical values of the current and previous US administrations: not credible
“Every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyyhvgZpleo
ian
Some of those statements are downright insane. There is/are posters here who actually said those?
Someone is totally losing it.
Take a break from the internet lol
Texas A&M Aggie
Considering that U.S. and NATO personnel are the only people who can program the missiles to strike inside Russia, this war will escalate into an East vs. West scenario very quickly if Ukraine is taken off the leash.
RichardPearce
I wonder being shuffled off to the side at APEC prompted him to go 'dark'?
Anyone want to bet this 'gamechanger' isn't going to be as ineffective as the Kursk invasion, the Spring Offensive, the tanks etc?
Tokyo Guy
Some of those statements are downright insane. There is/are posters here who actually said those?
It's called hyperbole for dramatic effect, but there are bot farm employees on here who regularly claim that Russia who have has total control, is crushing the Ukraine forces, etc. Thing is, they've been saying the same thing for over a year and the only "sources" they provide are from things like "MajorGeneralKickass" on X.
Hello Kitty 321
The first step to World War Three.
JJE
Still zero mention of the Russian breakthrough on the South Donetsk sector of the main line of contact. Look at a map - Kurakhove is in the middle of an ominous cauldron. The salient is being drawn in and the overall line is being straightened.
And there are zero NK troops involved there. Inconveniently, there are loads of former Ukrainians - the militia of Donetsk and Lugansk - now integrated in the RFAF. This is the reality certain quarters don't like.