Biden Considers Allowing Ukraine to Use Long-Range Missiles Against Russia

Potential Shift in U.S. Policy on Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Capabilities

President Joe Biden seems poised to potentially open the door for Ukraine to utilize long-range Western weaponry to target areas deep within Russian territory. This development hinges on the condition that these operations do not involve arms supplied by the United States, according to insights from European officials.

The ongoing discussions surrounding this critical issue are expected to culminate on Friday, coinciding with the inaugural visit to Washington by Britain’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Keir Starmer. The timing of this meeting could prove pivotal as both nations seek to align their military strategies in support of Ukraine.

• Britain has already expressed its willingness to allow Ukraine to deploy its “Storm Shadow” long-range missiles against Russian military positions located far from the Ukrainian border.
• However, British officials are seeking explicit approval from Biden to ensure a coordinated military approach alongside the United States and France, both of which manufacture similar missile systems.

While American officials have indicated that President Biden has yet to reach a definitive conclusion, he is expected to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Starmer on Friday. If Biden grants this permission, it could provide a significant advantage for Ukraine, enabling it to maintain its gains after recent offensives, such as the surprising incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.

Despite this potential shift, Biden has exercised caution regarding the use of American weapons in similar operations. This hesitance is largely influenced by warnings from U.S. intelligence agencies, which suggest that any escalation in Ukraine’s military actions could provoke Russia to increase its support for Iran in targeting American forces in the Middle East.

On Thursday, White House representatives maintained that there was no immediate decision regarding the deployment of American-made surface-to-surface Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). Nevertheless, Biden himself has hinted at a forthcoming relaxation of restrictions, especially after being questioned about increasing military support for Ukraine during a press conference on Tuesday. He responded, “We are working that out right now.”

If President Biden ultimately approves the British and French initiatives, and subsequently permits the use of ATACMS in the coming weeks, this could represent a significant escalation in U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.