The war in Ukraine continues to evolve, and the latest US intervention has meant that we are now on the verge of a new scenario. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use its ATACMS long-range missiles, allowing it to attack targets on Russian territory.
‘Army Tactical Missile Systems’ (ATACMS) are short-range ballistic missiles with high precision capability. Designed to destroy strategic objectives such as logistics centers, ammunition depots and troop concentrations, they have a range of up to 300 kilometers. These weapons provide Ukraine with a significant offensive capability, allowing it to attack key infrastructure in Russian regions close to the combat front, such as Kursk, without risking aircraft or personnel.
This military technology represents a major shift in Ukrainian capabilities, giving them tools to counter Russian and North Korean advances in critical areas.
Why has Biden authorized the use?
Biden’s decision has roots in both the military situation and international politics:
- Support before Trump’s arrival
With the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House in January, there is uncertainty about the future of military support for Ukraine. Trump has expressed his intention to seek a more diplomatic solution to the conflict, which could limit the flow of weapons to kyiv. Therefore, Biden seeks to maximize Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities before that possible change.
- Ukrainian pressure and growing tensions
Ukraine has insisted on the need for advanced weapons to hit strategic targets inside Russia, especially given the presence of 10,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk region. Until now, Biden had rejected this request for fear of escalating the conflict, but the deteriorating situation on the battlefield has led him to reconsider this position.
- Immediate military impact
The authorization of the long-range missiles seeks to balance the conflict, in the hope that Ukraine can reduce Russia’s logistical and military capabilities and aims to relieve pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines in the east, particularly in the Donbas region, where Russian forces have advanced at a worrying pace.
Until now, kyiv’s operations in Russian territory have been limited to drones and small raids. ATACMS missiles, however, are a much more powerful tool that allows for attacks with greater range and precision.
However, this decision also carries risks:
Moscow has warned that these actions could lead to a “Third World War.” Although the risk of a nuclear confrontation has decreased since 2022, the Kremlin’s rhetoric remains aggressive, which could increase global tensions.
Countries like Hungary have pointed out that this measure mainly benefits the United States, by prolonging the war and positioning its defense industry as one of the biggest winners. They also consider that the chosen moment – just before the political change in Washington – is strategic, and they have accused Trump of being a “man of peace” as opposed to Biden.
