Biden’s ATACMS Decision Stirs Tensions in Ukraine Conflict Amid Third World War Fears

Talks of a Third World War in Moscow

The U.S. has permitted Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles in response to Russia‘s unexpected decision to involve North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict, according to anonymous American officials.

President Biden has not officially announced this significant policy change. His decision divides his advisors, especially with two months left before Donald Trump assumes the presidency. Trump claims he can end the war in a day.

U.S. Hesitation So Far

The U.S. has been reluctant to supply Ukraine with necessary equipment. Initially, Biden’s motivations seemed influenced by both Trump’s victory and the appearance of North Korean forces supporting Russia. Washington previously delayed providing Kyiv with HIMARS missile systems, Patriot air defense systems, and F-16 fighters. It remains unclear how Ukraine’s use of the long-range missiles, which can reach targets up to 300 km deep into Russia, will affect the war’s outcome. While Ukraine awaited approval from Washington, Russia rearranged its military assets, moving critical targets like ammunition depots and airfields beyond the missiles’ reach.

Although Ukraine already has ATACMS, it has only used them in occupied territories. It is uncertain if the U.S. can deliver more before Trump takes office.

Biden’s decision has angered the Kremlin. The government newspaper, “Российская газета,” claimed Biden made one of the most provocative and reckless decisions of his administration, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. Russian Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov described the move as “an unprecedented step toward a third world war.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Biden’s administration of escalating tensions, stating it “adds fuel to the fire” and deepens U.S. involvement in the conflict. Political analysts noted that neither Vladimir Putin nor Donald Trump had commented on Biden’s action, raising speculation that Trump might have been informed in advance.

Several Western countries endorsed the U.S. decision. Polish President Andrzej Duda stated it was much needed, highlighting Ukraine’s strong support and the West’s firm stance. Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the Netherlands also welcomed the move.

European Support for Ukraine

Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, expressed hope that European countries would allow Ukraine to use their long-range weapons against Russia, likely referring to British-French Storm Shadow missiles. ATACMS can hit major Russian cities, including Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Novorossiysk, and Crimea. In contrast, the extended-range version of Storm Shadow can strike Moscow, Podolsk, Ryazan, Volgograd, and Sochi.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky neither confirmed nor denied the lifting of restrictions on long-range missiles. However, he asserted, “Strikes do not happen with words. The missiles will speak for themselves.”