President Joe Biden’s administration will allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, three sources familiar with the matter said, marking a significant shift in Washington’s policy regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days, the sources added, without disclosing details due to operational security concerns. The White House declined to comment.

This decision, announced two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, follows months of appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to permit Ukraine’s military to use U.S. weapons against Russian targets deep within its territory.

The policy change comes in response to Russia’s deployment of North Korean ground troops to bolster its forces—a development that has alarmed officials in both Washington and Kyiv. The initial long-range strikes are expected to use ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles (306 km), according to the sources.

While some U.S. officials remain skeptical that enabling long-range strikes will alter the overall trajectory of the war, the decision could provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage at a critical moment, as Russian forces continue to make gains. It may also strengthen Kyiv’s position in potential ceasefire negotiations.

It remains unclear whether Trump will reverse Biden’s decision after taking office. Trump has consistently criticized the extent of U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine and has pledged to end the war quickly, though he has not provided specifics on how he would achieve this.

Nonetheless, some congressional Republicans have urged Biden to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided weapons. Conversely, Russia has warned that it would view any relaxation of these restrictions as a significant escalation.

Biden had previously resisted calls to alter U.S. policy, determined to avoid any action that could risk drawing the U.S. and NATO allies into direct conflict with Russia. However, the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to assist Moscow’s efforts to reclaim land in the Kursk border region, captured by Ukraine earlier this year, has added pressure for a policy shift.

The introduction of North Korean troops has coincided with a favorable shift in momentum for Moscow. As many as 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been sent to Russia, according to assessments by U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian officials. Additionally, U.S. and South Korean intelligence indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with substantial amounts of munitions to replenish its dwindling stockpiles.

Trump, who will assume office in January, has repeatedly stated his desire to see the war in Ukraine conclude but has largely avoided clarifying whether he supports a Ukrainian victory. During his campaign, he criticized the Biden administration for providing Kyiv with tens of billions of dollars in aid. His election victory has raised concerns among Ukraine’s international allies that a rushed settlement could disproportionately benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

{Matzav.com}