United States President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to begin firing American-supplied rockets deep into Russia.
This is as United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer also prepares to push for “further support” for Kyiv at the G20 summit.
Starmer had said that he has “no plans” to speak with the Russian president as world leaders gather for the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
This approval by Biden means that Kyiv will use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for long-range attacks, two American officials disclosed to correspondents.
The sources revealed that Ukraine plans to conduct its first such attacks in the coming days though they did not reveal details due to operational security concerns.
In an evening address after Kyiv was permitted to fire deep into Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said,
“Today, there’s a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions. But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves. They certainly will.”
The US has eased restrictions on the use of ATACMS, which have a range of up to 190 miles after Russia began deploying North Korean ground troops to supplement its forces in the conflict.
The development was condemned by Biden officials as a possible expansion of the war.
A Russian politician and the son of President-elect Donald Trump have both likened the move to risking a third world war.
Donald Trump Jr wrote on X, “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives… Imbeciles!”
This move by the outgoing Biden administration followed concerns about the level of support Trump may be willing to give Ukraine.
Trump vowed to limit US support for Ukraine and end its war with Russia.
Back in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin said if the US were to lift the ban on long-range missile use, it would be seen as NATO’s “direct participation” in the war.
