The approval by U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration for long-range strikes on Russian soil paved the way for this move. In response, Ukraine’s Armed Forces now have access to SCALP, Storm Shadow, and ATACMS missiles for operations beyond their borders.
For months, Ukraine had been urging the United States for permission to launch attacks on Russian military targets deep within Russia. The US had previously adopted a cautious approach, wary of escalating tensions in the region.
However, President Biden’s recent decision marks a turning point in Western aid to Ukraine. The announcement comes just weeks ahead of Donald Trump’s scheduled inauguration, reflecting a concerted effort by the Biden administration to reinforce Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The decision followed high-level diplomatic discussions between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Sybiha expressed “cautious optimism” about the prospects of such authorisation after their meeting earlier this week.
Sources: Le Figaro, RBC-Ukraine.
