President Biden authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles to target areas deeper within Russia, easing prior restrictions. This decision follows Russia’s deployment of thousands of North Korean troops, confirmed by a U.S. official and three other informed sources.
This authorization, permitting Kyiv to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) for attacks further into Russia, coincides with President Putin’s positioning of North Korean troops along Ukraine’s northern border in an attempt to regain lost territory.
Biden’s action comes after Donald Trump’s presidential win. Trump’s stated intention to quickly end the war has created uncertainty about continued U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
The sources, not authorized to speak publicly, requested anonymity.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s response was measured.
“Actions speak louder than words,” he stated in his nightly address. “Such matters aren’t announced. The missiles will do the talking.”
Zelensky and Western allies had urged Biden for months to permit deeper strikes into Russia, arguing that the U.S. restrictions hindered Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian attacks.
Zelensky’s statement followed a Telegram post expressing condolences after a Russian attack on a building in Sumy, killing at least eight people.
Russia also launched a large-scale drone and missile attack, described as the largest in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and causing civilian casualties. This attack heightens fears of Russia crippling Ukraine’s power grid before winter.
“This is the response to those who sought to appease Putin through dialogue,” Zelensky added.
This remark seemed directed at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recently spoke with Putin—their first conversation in almost two years.
Some argue that U.S. restrictions could cost Ukraine the war, creating division among NATO allies.
Biden previously opposed this, fearing escalation and direct conflict with Russia.
Putin warned that Russia could supply long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets if Ukraine uses such weapons against Russia.
Biden’s decision followed meetings with South Korea, Japan, and China, where the North Korean troop deployment was a key discussion point during the APEC summit in Peru.
Biden didn’t mention this decision in a Brazilian Amazon rainforest speech.
When asked, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated the UN aims to “avoid a permanent deterioration of the war in Ukraine.”
“We want peace, a just peace,” Guterres said before the Rio de Janeiro summit.
The long-range missiles are likely a response to North Korea’s support for Russia, according to a source.
Limited ATACMS supplies have raised concerns about their effectiveness. However, some believe even a few strikes could significantly impact Russian military deployments and resource allocation.
North Korea provided thousands of troops to Russia to aid in reclaiming Ukrainian-seized territory. This comes amidst Russia’s improved position in the conflict. Trump has suggested Ukraine cede some land to end the fighting.
Estimates suggest as many as 12,000 North Korean troops were sent, along with significant munitions to bolster Russia’s dwindling supplies.
Trump, during his campaign, expressed a desire to end the war but largely avoided questions about whether Ukraine should win. He criticized the Biden administration’s substantial aid to Kyiv, raising concerns among Ukraine’s international backers about a potential settlement favoring Putin.
The U.S. is Ukraine’s most crucial ally, providing over $56.2 billion in security assistance since February 2022.
Concerned about Russia’s response, the Biden administration previously delayed providing some advanced weapons requested by Ukraine, only agreeing after pressure from Kyiv and allies.
This includes initial denials of Zelensky’s requests for advanced tanks, Patriot systems, and F-16s.
In May, the White House authorized limited cross-border strikes into Russia.
—Long, Miller, Knickmeyer and Lee reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Will Weissert in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv contributed to this report.