Russia has strongly condemned the Biden administration's approval for Ukraine to use long-range American-made missiles, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the move as a significant escalation, emphasizing that it marked a new level of U.S. involvement in the war. Peskov suggested that this decision would intensify tensions between the two countries, indicating that it could lead to a "qualitatively new" stage in the conflict.
The ATACMS, which has a range of about 190 miles, will allow Ukraine to target Russian territory, including regions like Kursk, which is situated on the border between Russia and Ukraine. This decision follows months of Ukrainian requests for such weaponry, signaling their intent to use the missiles in response to battlefield challenges. These weapons, with their powerful blast capabilities, are seen as a response to the growing support Russia has been receiving from North Korea, which is providing military aid to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, despite the missile approval, a senior French military official cautioned that while the strikes may slow Russian advances, they are unlikely to significantly alter the course of the war. The official pointed out that Russia holds advantages in manpower and long-term resources, which could help maintain its momentum in the conflict, even without support from North Korea. Meanwhile, Russia continues to deploy Iranian drones and North Korean missiles to target Ukrainian territory, adding to the complexity of the ongoing war.
This development has also sparked criticism from figures such as Donald Trump Jr., who claimed that the increased U.S. support to Ukraine could lead to "World War III," echoing concerns about further global instability as the conflict escalates.
