The Biden administration is lifting some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-made weapons to strike military targets in Russia. This decision is reportedly prompted by North Korea’s increased support for Russia’s forces and Russia’s increased missile and drone attacks on its neighbors. This marks a major shift in U.S.
policy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long pleaded with allies to allow the use of Western weapons against military targets in Russia. If approved, this capability could first be used in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine is battling North Korean forces and forces from Moscow. However, even if permission were granted, it would likely not be to the extent Ukraine requires.
Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attack in the next few days, likely using the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).