‘Biden’s permission for Ukraine to fire US missiles at Russia is like ‘adding fuel to the fire’’
Biden's Controversial Move I A New Chapter In Ukraine
Pros
1.Strengthens Ukraine's Defense
- Permitting the use of U.S. missiles enables Ukraine to target strategic military assets deeper within Russian territory, potentially weakening Russia's military capability.
- It sends a strong signal of unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine, bolstering morale among Ukrainian forces and citizens.
2.Increases Deterrence
- The move could deter Russia from escalating the conflict further or from launching major offensives, as they face greater risks to critical infrastructure or military assets.
3.Enhances NATO's Credibility
- By providing more robust weaponry and allowing their use, the U.S. reinforces its role as a defender of democratic principles, solidifying NATO’s image as a protective alliance.
4.Pressures Russia Economically and Politically
- Strikes on Russian territory could disrupt military production lines and logistic networks, reducing their ability to sustain prolonged warfare.
Cons
1.Risk of Escalation
- Allowing Ukraine to strike targets within Russia increases the likelihood of retaliation, potentially dragging NATO or the U.S. into a broader conflict.
- It could lead to a cycle of escalation, including the potential use of more advanced or even nuclear weapons.
2.Strains Global Alliances
- Other nations may view this decision as an unnecessary provocation, making it harder to maintain a united front against Russia.
- Some countries might see the U.S. as fueling the war rather than seeking a path to peace.
3.Domestic and Global Backlash
- Domestically, Americans may grow wary of further U.S. involvement, leading to political opposition.
- Globally, it might fuel anti-American sentiment in regions advocating for neutrality or peace.
4.Humanitarian Concerns
- Strikes within Russia may lead to civilian casualties and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, undermining moral high ground claims.
5.Uncertainty of Effectiveness
- There’s no guarantee that the strikes would lead to decisive outcomes. If Russia adapts quickly, the tactical advantage might be short-lived.
Summary:
This policy could either strengthen Ukraine’s position significantly or deepen the conflict with unintended consequences for global security. The decision ultimately hinges on careful consideration of long-term strategic goals versus immediate wartime needs.
A statement issued by the Russian administration on Monday morning said that if the US-supplied missiles are fired at Russia, Moscow will consider the attack not as an attack by Ukraine but as an attack by the US.
The Kremlin statement added that “Russia and Putin have made their positions very clear and this decision by the US marks a new level of Washington’s involvement in this conflict.”
The statement added that it is “clear” that the outgoing Biden administration is “adding fuel to the fire” and intends to take steps to further escalate the already tense situation in this conflict.
The statement from Russia came after US President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles to hit targets in Russia.
The BBC's US partner CBS News has been told by senior US officials that President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles against Russia.
US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer has hit back at the Kremlin's accusation that the US is adding fuel to the fire in the Ukraine-Russia war.
He said: "The US is monitoring Russia's strategy to involve North Korean forces in this war and the US has made it clear to Russia that we will respond."
He added that the fire in the region was caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the main problem was its continuation, the presence of North Korean forces on the battlefield and the "intensity" of air strikes across the country.
“So I would like to ask Russia who is adding fuel to the fire here, and I don’t think it’s the Ukrainian people,” said John Finer, the deputy national security adviser to the US.
It should be noted that Ukraine has been seeking permission to use US-supplied missiles to attack Russian territory for months.
The facts on the ground suggest that it is quite possible that Russia could launch a major offensive to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region of Russia any day now.
Ukraine could use the US-supplied ATACMS to defend itself against an attack, targeting key Russian targets, including military bases, infrastructure and ammunition storage facilities.
These weapons could give Ukraine some advantage at a time when Russian forces are gaining a foothold in the eastern part of the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been trying for months to lift the US ban on the use of long-range missiles so that Ukraine can hit targets in Russia.
It should be noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western countries in the past about lifting the ban in this regard.
He had said in September this year that Russia would see it as direct intervention in this NATO war. Putin had said that ‘this would mean that NATO countries, the US and European countries are fighting against Russia.’ These long-range missiles are ATACMS, which are actually manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin.
The special thing about these missiles is that they can hit up to 300 kilometers and are very difficult to destroy due to their speed. These weapons have been given to Ukraine by the US as a support package and have been used by Ukraine in Crimea.
Why did the US give Ukraine this permission?
According to local reports, Ukraine has been using these missiles and US weapons in occupied Ukraine and the Kursk region for more than a decade.
However, the US has never allowed the KIA to use these missiles inside Russia. Ukraine had taken the position that ‘not allowing these missiles is like tying one hand behind someone’s back in a fight and telling them to fight now.’
According to reports, a new change in US policy occurred when North Korean soldiers also arrived in the region to help Russia in the Kursk regions occupied by Ukraine. Ukraine has occupied the Kursk region since August.
In addition, concerns about helping Ukraine in the war have arisen even after Donald Trump returned to the White House. President Biden is serious about helping Ukraine as much as possible during his remaining term.
One of the goals is to strengthen Ukraine militarily and improve its position in any potential peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet confirmed the US decision. However, he said on Sunday that attacks cannot be carried out with words... the missiles will give their own address.
What are A-T-A-M-C missiles?
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is primarily a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. It is this range of these missiles that makes them important for Ukraine.
The ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, is fired from either the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which can be easily moved from one location to another.
These missiles are fueled by solid rocket propellant and have a very high speed, making them extremely difficult to intercept.
The navigation is programmed before launch and is fired towards the target using inertial and satellite guidance, and it has the ability to accurately hit its target to within about 10 meters.
The missiles are divided into two different types of warheads, one of which is used to launch a large number of missiles and can be used to neutralize enemy air defense systems.
The other type is the unitary warhead, which is a large explosive version of 225 kilograms that is designed to destroy a large location or installation.
These missiles were first used in the Gulf War in 1991.
The United States is currently working on further improving this missile, and wants to increase its range to 500 kilometers. It is not yet clear whether Ukraine will receive these missiles.
What impact could these missiles have on the war?
Now that the US has given permission, Ukraine will be able to use these missiles against Russia. Perhaps in the first phase, it will use these missiles in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces are stationed in a 1,000-square-kilometer area.
Ukraine and the US fear attacks by Russia and North Korea in the Kursk region. In such a case, Ukraine could use these missiles and in the meantime, it could target Russian military bases, infrastructure and weapons depots.
Russia has also made defensive arrangements against these missiles and has already moved military installations such as fighter jets into the country to prevent any possible attack.
However, Russia may face difficulties in sending more aid because it takes time to send such aid.
A Western diplomat told the BBC that he did not think it would be very decisive. According to him, this should be seen as a symbolic help given to Ukraine. He said that all this could lead to an increase in Russia's war spending.
Related Topics
#Ukraine #Ukraine_Russia_Conflict #Vladimir_Putin #Russia #United_States
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