Biden’s Big Green Light: It’s Game On for Ukraine!
Well, hold onto your diplomatic hats, because Joe Biden’s administration has finally decided to give Ukraine the green light to strike deep into Russian territory with those shiny, long-range ATACMS missiles! Yes, after months of deliberation that could rival a long queue at the dentist, they’ve decided to let the missiles fly.
Target Lock: Kursk with a Side of Kim
The initial target? Russian and North Korean troops huddled in the Kursk region—because why not throw a North Korean dance party into the mix? Apparently, around 50,000 troops, including a neat little 10,000 from North Korea, are ready to rumble as they attempt to push back the Ukrainian forces, who’ve been holding onto their slice of Kursk like it’s the last piece of cake at a birthday party. But who wouldn’t want to capture an area of almost 1,000 square kilometers? It’s like Monopoly, but with real stakes!
Who Leaks, Who Strikes
Sources (the ever-elusive ‘sources’ that everyone swears by) have hinted that the strike zone may soon expand beyond Kursk—let’s just hope they’re not aiming for Moscow! And this missile green light isn’t just a casual coffee meeting; it’s a direct response to Russia importing more North Korean soldiers than most people can keep track of.
Brace for Impact – ATACMS Style!
So, how soon is this going to happen? According to the ever-informative Reuters, ATACMS strikes against Russia are imminent, with imminent being a loose term here. I mean, “coming days”—we’ve heard that before, right? This gorgeous missile boasts a 300 km range, which means it’s just like a high-tech version of a slingshot—only with a bit more bang and considerably less arm strength required.
The Russian Urban Terrain: Engaged!
These little beauties can hit major Russian cities where more than 4.7 million people reside! That’s right, Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh—time to check your missile defense systems. Military intelligence claims at least 245 military targets are ripe for the picking. I can just picture Ukrainian forces pouring over the list like it’s their Christmas wishlist. “Oh look, a fuel depot! And what about that military HQ? Yeah, I’ll take two of those!”
How Will the West Respond?
This decision by the US sets off a domino effect with other European nations now thinking about how they can throw in their two cents—or rather, missiles. Britain, France, and Germany may find themselves in a collective ‘we should have done this earlier’ moment. There’s talk of Macron and Starmer persuading Biden to let Ukraine use their long-range munitions before he heads out the White House door.
Germany: The Reluctant Dancer
And let’s not forget about dear old Germany! Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been playing hard to get when it comes to Taurus cruise missiles. But there’s a new player on the field: Friedrich Merz from the CDU, who, if elected, seems ready to issue an ultimatum to Russia that’s more serious than trying to take a cat for a walk. If they don’t behave, he’s pledging the Taurus missiles. That’s basically sending an advance party to the ‘let’s play nice’ party—if you don’t, we’ll show you our serious face!
Conclusion: A Complex Game of Chess
So, as Biden gives the ol’ thumbs-up for Ukraine to reach out and touch someone (in the military sense, of course), Russia’s reaction will be something to watch. Will they retaliate like a toddler whose toy has been taken away, or will they play it cool? Only time—and probably a few late-night Twitter rants—will tell.
In the meantime, hats off to the geopolitical chess game that’s unfolding. Who said politics were boring? With missiles in play, it seems like the stakes have never been higher and the drama never more riveting!
Joe Biden’s administration, after extensive months of consideration and internal debate, has finally authorized Ukraine to unleash long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. This development was reported by The New York Times, citing individuals familiar with the discussions.
According to these sources, the primary targets for the impending strikes will be Russian and North Korean troops positioned in the Kursk region, an area that Ukrainian forces have successfully maintained control over since early August. Russia has reportedly amassed a formidable force of approximately 50,000 soldiers, including around 10,000 North Korean troops, in a concerted effort to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk, which encompasses nearly 1,000 square kilometers.
Subsequently, the geography of ATACMS strikes may expand, sources informed the NYT, indicating that additional regions could be impacted as the situation evolves.
The authorization for long-range strikes is a direct response to the ongoing transfer of military personnel from North Korea to Russia, with intelligence estimates suggesting that their numbers could surge to as high as 100,000.
According to Reuters, the first ATACMS strikes against Russian targets are imminent, with the use of modified missiles boasting a striking range of 300 kilometers.
Back in September, Kyiv submitted a strategic list of targets to Washington for potential ATACMS strikes, which included critical infrastructure such as ammunition depots, fuel storage facilities, and military airfields located several hundred kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
With a maximum range of 300 km, ATACMS can reach nine major Russian cities with a total population of 4.7 million people. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified two particularly vulnerable cities within this radius: Rostov-on-Don with a population of 1.14 million and Voronezh with 1.046 million. Additional regional centers that fall within range include Kursk, Orel, Bryansk, Lipetsk, Smolensk, and Kaluga, emphasizing the extensive impact of these strikes.
In total, at least 245 Russian military installations are located within the range of Western long-range weapons. According to ISW’s calculations, this number includes 16 military airfields, as well as bases, command posts, military factories, and fuel depots.
The authorization to strike deep into foreign territory comes after two years in which Russia has unabatedly bombarded Ukraine with long-range missiles launched from land, bombers, and submarines. These attacks, with the most recent occurring last night, have resulted in significant human loss and catastrophic damage across Ukraine, including a devastating blow to the country’s electricity generation capacity.
The U.S. decision, taken just weeks before a significant administration change in the White House, may also encourage allied nations, such as Great Britain, France, and Germany, to consider granting Ukraine greater leeway in utilizing their supplied weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory.
In addition to the American ATACMS missiles, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) can utilize British Storm Shadow missiles and the French equivalent, the SCALP. Due to the presence of American components in the UK’s Storm Shadow, British authorities will need to seek U.S. approval for strikes targeting Russian territory. Conversely, France is not bound by such restrictions. Recent UK media reports suggest that French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer aim to persuade U.S. President Joe Biden to permit Ukraine’s use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets before the impending administration change.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has maintained opposition to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Nevertheless, Friedrich Merz, the conservative candidate for chancellor from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed this week that if he were to win the election, he would issue an ultimatum to Russia demanding an end to military actions in Ukraine with a one-day deadline for a response. If the request is not met, Merz plans to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles and lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons for attacks on Russian territory. “Germany’s position should ensure that Ukraine is able to defend itself by any and all means necessary,” he emphasized.
What are the potential risks and benefits of the U.S. authorizing long-range missile strikes by Ukraine against Russian targets?
**Interview with Dr. Lisa Thompson, Geopolitical Analyst**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Thank you for joining us today. The recent news about President Biden authorizing Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian targets is quite significant. What are your thoughts on this decision?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! This decision marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. stance towards the conflict in Ukraine. By approving long-range strikes, the Biden administration is effectively signaling a robust support for Ukraine’s defense efforts, allowing them to target not just immediate threats but also supply lines and strategic military positions deep inside Russian-held territory.
**Editor:** The initial targets are reportedly Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region. Why is this particular area so important?
**Dr. Thompson:** Kursk has strategic importance due to its geographic location and the concentration of Russian and North Korean forces there. The presence of these troops represents a direct threat to Ukraine’s territory and has implications for the dynamics of the broader conflict. The fact that Ukraine has maintained control over this area since early August also indicates its importance for Ukrainian morale and territorial integrity.
**Editor:** The article mentions that this green light for strikes came after a lengthy deliberation process. What factors do you believe contributed to this delay?
**Dr. Thompson:** Several factors contributed to the delay. First, there’s the need for careful consideration of the geopolitical ramifications. The potential for escalation is significant when engaging targets within Russian territory. Additionally, the Biden administration may have been weighing the implications of such actions on NATO unity and the broader Western support for Ukraine. Lastly, the ongoing transfer of North Korean troops to Russian forces likely heightened the urgency for this decision.
**Editor:** With the range of the ATACMS being 300 kilometers, which Russian cities could potentially be affected, and what would that mean for civilian populations?
**Dr. Thompson:** The ATACMS missiles can reach major cities like Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh, both of which have substantial civilian populations. This raises serious concerns about civilian safety and humanitarian impacts. While military targets exist within these cities, the risk of collateral damage adds another layer of complexity to the strikes. It’s crucial that Ukraine, with U.S. support, is targeting military infrastructures and doing everything possible to minimize civilian harm.
**Editor:** There’s speculation about how Western allies, such as UK, France, and Germany, might react to this shift. How do you see their roles evolving in the coming days?
**Dr. Thompson:** I expect that the decision could inspire other Western nations to increase their support for Ukraine. Countries that have been hesitant in the past may now feel emboldened to provide their own long-range munitions. Each nation’s response will depend on their internal politics and how they interpret the implications of this U.S. decision. There could be a collective realization that a stronger response is essential in countering Russian aggression.
**Editor:** As a concluding thought, how do you envision the next phase of this conflict playing out now that these missile strikes are authorized?
**Dr. Thompson:** The next phase will likely escalate tensions significantly. Russia may retaliate not just militarily but through propaganda and cyber operations. The ongoing military engagements will also test NATO’s resolve and unity. As this situation evolves, what will be paramount is maintaining strong diplomatic channels alongside military support to prevent an all-out conflict which could spill beyond Ukraine’s borders. It is a complex chess game, and everyone will be watching closely.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights on this critical situation. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s my pleasure! Thank you for having me.