Biden escalates Ukraine-Russia conflict with missile policy

The Kremlin criticised President Joe Biden’s recent decision allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia.

This policy shift is viewed as exacerbating the ongoing conflict and heightening international tensions.

Biden’s announcement coincides with the 1,000-day mark since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The decision follows recent Russian missile attacks that killed 11 people and injured 84 in Sumy, along with additional strikes in Odesa resulting in at least 10 fatalities.

The U.S. is easing restrictions on the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs), previously hesitant due to concerns about escalating the war and provoking a direct confrontation with NATO.

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Kremlin condemns

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the move, suggesting it would lead to further escalation.

He referenced previous comments from President Putin, who indicated that such actions would significantly alter the conflict dynamics, effectively implying that NATO would be involved in a war against Russia.

The details surrounding the new military guidelines remain unclear, but they come amid concerns about North Korean troops reportedly assisting Russia in combat efforts.

Biden’s decision appears to have been influenced by the developments regarding North Korea, as indicated by an anonymous U.S. official.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to advance in eastern Ukraine and has intensified its aerial attacks on civilian areas.