US Allows Ukraine to Use ATACMS Missiles Against Russia Amid Escalation Fears - What Could Be The Impact?

Washington D.C. [USA], November 18, 2024: In a surprising policy reversal, the outgoing US administration has permitted Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles for limited strikes within Russian territory, a move that could potentially lead to a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West.

This decision comes just two months before Donald Trump is set to take over as president, during whose presidency Ukraine aid was a subject of controversy. According to reports, the incoming US administration has also suspected that it will allow Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons inside Russian territory, which could further fuel tensions between the two sides.

Russian lawmakers have warned that such escalation could lead to World War III, with their parliament's senior member Andrei Klishas stating that "the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning" was a possibility. Kremlin officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to defending Russia against such attacks, describing it as "a very big step towards World War III".

However, the US administration has argued that this move will enable Britain and France to grant Ukraine permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory in future negotiations. Biden's decision is aimed at supporting Ukraine's efforts to hold on to a small chunk of Russian territory, which could serve as a bargaining chip in any potential negotiations.

The impact of this escalation on global security remains unclear. The missile defense system would allow Ukrainian forces to strike targets within Russia, most likely around the Kursk region, where the Ukrainian army holds over 1,000 sq km of territory. Reports suggest that Russia has already moved its military equipment to airfields further inside Russia in anticipation of such a decision.

In the past, the US military has also used ATACMS missiles against enemy targets during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, with varying degrees of success. The fate of future strikes by Ukrainian forces remains uncertain, but the escalating situation has raised concerns about the potential for World War III.

Trump's Team: Will His Approach To Ukraine Aid Be Different?

The outgoing US administration's announcement may have significant implications for Joe Biden's successor. Trump Jr recently expressed his skepticism over the ongoing military aid to Ukraine, stating that it seemed determined to fuel the conflict rather than seeking peace.

It is unclear how Donald Trump will approach this situation upon taking office, but his team has already expressed concerns over continuing financial and military aid to Ukraine, raising the question of what could impact global security in the coming months.