President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) inside Russian territory, according to two US officials. This development comes as North Korean troops are reportedly deployed to support Moscow’s war effort, intensifying the conflict further.
Biden’s decision follows months of deliberation within the US government, with some officials expressing concern over escalating tensions and the dwindling stockpile of ATACMS. The move is seen as a significant escalation aimed primarily at countering Russian military buildup in the southern region of Kursk, where approximately 50,000 Russian troops have been stationed in response to a summer counteroffensive by Kyiv.
According to a US official, the decision to focus the use of these weapons in Kursk is strategic, preventing the region from being used as a bargaining chip in potential future peace negotiations.
North Korea’s deployment of an estimated 10,000 troops to Kursk has raised alarms in Washington, as their presence could mark a dangerous new phase in the conflict. Biden and his advisers reportedly fear that the involvement of North Korean forces will free up Russian troops for other offensives, further straining Ukraine’s defense.
The ATACMS missiles, which have a range of around 200 miles, were first delivered to Ukraine in April following secret approval from Biden in February. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been lobbying for permission to deploy these missiles inside Russia, arguing they are critical to gaining momentum in the war. During a meeting at the White House in September, Zelensky presented Biden with a list of Russian targets, emphasizing their strategic importance to Ukraine’s war effort.
Reacting to the news, Zelensky stated on Telegram, “Missiles will speak for themselves.”
The US move has prompted warnings from Moscow. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that any strike on Russian soil backed by a nuclear power could be considered a joint attack, hinting at potential nuclear escalation.
While US officials acknowledge the limited supply and production challenges of ATACMS, they argue that Ukraine’s growing capability to produce longer-range drones is also part of the calculation. However, they concede that the range of the missiles may not be sufficient to strike key Russian military assets, as Moscow has shifted many of them beyond ATACMS’ reach.
The policy shift reflects the Biden administration’s evolving stance on military aid to Ukraine. Over nearly three years of war, the US has reversed initial positions on key weapons systems, including Patriot missiles, Abrams tanks, and F-16 fighter jets.
With $7.1 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority, it remains unclear if more ATACMS missiles will be provided or if Ukraine will be limited to the current stock. Efforts are reportedly underway to ensure sustained US security aid through the end of 2025 to prevent potential disruptions from a possible Trump administration.
