US-Ukraine Conflict Escalates: Biden Allows Long-Range Missiles Amid Tensions
In a move that has sparked tensions between Washington and Moscow, President Joe Biden has granted permission for Ukrainian forces to use American-provided long-range missiles for strikes within Russian territory, significantly shifting his administration's stance on the ongoing conflict.
This comes as US President-elect Donald Trump Jr, 46, accused the Biden administration of attempting to initiate a major conflict in Ukraine with the aim of destabilising his father's presidency. In a series of tweets, Trump Jr claimed that the defense establishment aims to "make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives."
The authorization allows Ukrainian forces to deploy US-manufactured Army Tactical Missile Systems in the Kursk region, situated along the northeastern border between the two nations. These missiles possess a range of approximately 190 miles with substantial explosive capability.
Ukraine indicated its readiness to utilize the newly authorized weapons shortly after extending requests for permission to employ American missiles amidst significant military setbacks. This development comes as February marks three years since Russia's invasion, which has resulted in numerous Ukrainian civilian casualties.
President-elect Trump, 78, has committed to ending the conflict, having communicated with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin following his electoral victory last month. According to Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, the incoming president is the only person who can "bring both sides together in order to negotiate peace, and work towards ending the war and stopping the killing."
Trump has yet to disclose specific details regarding his strategy to conclude the war. Among his five children, Trump Jr maintains the strongest connection to his father's political endeavours and reportedly holds significant influence in the transition team, particularly regarding the selection of controversial cabinet appointments.
As tensions between the US, Ukraine, and Russia continue to escalate, global observers have expressed deep concerns about the potential for miscalculation or conflict. The situation remains fluid, with the future trajectory of the conflict hanging precariously in the balance.