NATO allies bolster Ukraine’s arsenal with long-range missiles, but Germany remains cautious.
At a Glance
- President Biden authorizes Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMs missiles against Russian targets
- NATO members, particularly the U.K. and France, prepare to send more weapons to Ukraine
- Russia deploys North Korean troops to reinforce its war efforts in Ukraine
- Germany maintains its policy of not providing long-range missiles to Ukraine
- Russia criticizes the decision, viewing it as increased U.S. involvement in the conflict
Biden’s Decision Sparks NATO Action
In a significant shift in policy, President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMs missiles to strike deeper inside Russia. This decision, announced on November 17, removes previous restrictions and allows Ukraine to target Russian positions within its borders. The move comes as Russia has reportedly moved 50,000 troops to the southern region of Kursk, near Ukraine’s northern border, escalating tensions in the region.
Following Biden’s approval, NATO allies have swiftly responded by reinforcing their military aid to Ukraine. The United Kingdom and France are at the forefront of this support, assembling military packages that include Storm Shadow missiles. These missiles, with a range of 500 kilometers and 450 kg warheads, significantly boost Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.
European Leaders React
European NATO leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have praised Biden’s decision. Macron attributed the escalation to Russia’s actions, stating, “Russia is the only power that made an escalatory decision … it’s really this break that led to the U.S. decision.” This sentiment reflects the growing consensus among NATO allies that stronger measures are necessary to counter Russian aggression.
However, not all NATO members are aligning with this approach. Germany, in particular, remains firm in its policy of not providing long-range missiles to Ukraine. A spokesperson for the German government noted, “There are certain limits for the chancellor (Olaf Scholz),” highlighting the nuanced internal alliance viewpoint on involvement in the conflict.
Russia’s Response and Escalation
Russia has responded critically to NATO’s reinforced support for Ukraine. Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the decision as “a qualitatively new situation in terms of the involvement of the United States in this conflict.” This statement underscores Russia’s view of the escalating Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
In a concerning development, reports indicate that Russia has deployed North Korean troops to reinforce its war efforts in Ukraine. This move, along with the transfer of thousands of North Korean munitions, signals Russia’s determination to sustain its military campaign despite international pressure.
Ukraine’s Stance and Recent Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for the ability to strike deeper into Russia to counter attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. In a recent statement, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of action over words, saying, “Strikes are not made with words. Such things are not announced. The missiles will speak for themselves.”
The urgency of Ukraine’s request for enhanced military capabilities is underscored by recent Russian attacks. Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and resulting in civilian casualties. These ongoing assaults highlight the critical need for Ukraine to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities.
International Concerns and Support
As the conflict intensifies, international bodies express concern over potential escalation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to avoid further escalation in the Ukraine conflict, stating, “We want peace, we want fair peace.” This sentiment reflects the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and preventing a wider conflict.
The United States continues to be a significant supporter of Ukraine, having provided over $56.2 billion in security assistance since the Russian invasion in February 2022. This latest decision to allow the use of long-range missiles marks a significant escalation in the level of support, potentially changing the dynamics of the conflict.
As NATO reinforces its military aid to Ukraine and Russia continues its aggressive stance, the international community watches closely. The coming weeks will likely reveal the impact of these new military capabilities on the ground and their potential to shift the course of the ongoing conflict.
Sources:
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