The US has allowed Ukraine to strike Russia: BBC explains how this will change the course of the war

The US has given Ukraine permission to strike Russia: the BBC explained how this will change the course of the war Sofia Khushvakhtova

The United States changed its policy and allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles to strike Russia. This decision could have a serious impact on the course of the war and Moscow's attitude to further escalation of the conflict.

The United States has officially agreed to provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory. This decision was a significant turn in Washington's military strategy, since the Biden administration had previously refused to take this step, fearing an escalation of the conflict. This was reported by 24 Kanal, citing the BBC.

Why Biden gave Ukraine ATACMS

Before President Biden hands over power to Donald Trump, the United States has authorized the use of ATACMS missiles to strike targets inside Russia.

Please note! Ukraine has previously used these missiles to attack Russian targets in the temporarily occupied territories. However, the American side has not previously authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS to strike Russian targets. This caused outrage in Kyiv, which viewed it as a restriction on the right to self-defense.

ATACMS, which the US will provide to Ukraine/Photo Getty Images

The situation changed after it became known that Russian troops, together with North Korean units, were preparing for an offensive in the Kursk region, which Ukraine partially controls.

While the use of ATACMS will not be an immediate solution to the war, this decision has symbolic significance, increasing the costs of the war for Russia. American missiles can help the Ukrainian Armed Forces stop enemy counteroffensives and strike important infrastructure, as well as military facilities. In addition, this can change the morale at the front and add a psychological boost to the Ukrainian troops.

How far can Ukrainian missiles fly/Photo BBC

How much ATACMS will the US provide Ukraine

However, questions arise over the number of missiles the US could provide, as stockpiles are limited. Ukraine could also use these missiles to attack strategic targets, particularly the Kerch Bridge that connects Crimea to Russia. This decision would likely allow Britain and France to provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which have similar capabilities.

At the same time, the Kremlin has already warned of a possible escalation if the West allows Ukraine to strike Russian territory. Putin said that this would be direct NATO intervention in the war, although similar “red lines” had been crossed earlier when Western countries began supplying Ukraine with modern tanks and aircraft.

Comparison of artillery and missile ranges/Photo BBC

This move by the US could also be important given the approaching inauguration of Donald Trump, who could change policy on aid to Ukraine. Many politicians in the US have expressed concern about this decision, believing that it will increase the likelihood of escalation of the conflict, although others believe that this is a necessary step to give Ukraine a greater military advantage.