22-11-2024 (WASHINGTON) The Biden administration has fundamentally altered its position on Ukraine’s use of American-supplied weapons, permitting strikes deep within Russian territory following North Korea’s unprecedented entry into the conflict. This strategic shift gained urgency in the wake of Donald Trump’s November 5 electoral victory, according to multiple sources close to the matter.
The decision marks a significant departure from President Biden’s previous cautious approach, which had restricted Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles to avoid potential escalation with nuclear-armed Russia. The change in policy was primarily triggered by Moscow’s deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk region, viewed by Washington as a major escalation requiring a robust response.
The timing of this policy shift appears influenced by domestic political considerations, particularly Trump’s election success. Sources indicate the administration is working to strengthen Ukraine’s position amid concerns about future US support, given Trump’s historically skeptical stance on Ukrainian military aid.
This new directive was communicated to Ukrainian officials during a November 12 conversation between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Secretary of State Antony Blinken subsequently briefed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European officials in Brussels.
Ukraine wasted no time implementing the new policy, launching its first extended-range strike on Tuesday, targeting a Russian arms depot approximately 110 kilometres inside Russian territory. This was followed by British Storm Shadow cruise missile strikes, suggesting a broader Western alignment in military support strategy.
The presence of North Korean forces, estimated at 8,000 troops in the Kursk region, has particularly alarmed US officials. White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that North Korean soldiers had arrived via Vladivostok after departing from North Korea’s Wonsan region.
A senior US official acknowledged the risks of escalation but noted that Russia has thus far limited its military actions to Ukrainian territory. Congressional sources suggest the new policy specifically targets the Kursk region, aimed at constraining joint Russian-North Korean operations.
The administration has also approved additional measures to bolster Ukraine’s position, including authorising the use of anti-personnel mines and allowing US defence contractors to operate within Ukraine for weapons maintenance.
