The United States has shown significant support to Ukraine and has permitted the latter to use American-provided long-range weapons in Russia, as the war took a significant shift due to rising tensions in Kursk. The final confirmation came from President Joe Biden, after months of deliberations. This signifies a notable escalation in America’s role in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The recent authorization includes the use of tactical weapons such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which can accurately strike a target within 180 miles. The U.S. permission came at the heel of recent developments in Kyiv, as it was allowed to use American-supplied weaponry against the Russian armed forces.
Growing Geopolitical Complexity Calls For A Shift in Strategy
Initially, the American government was hesitant to approve the use of long-range tactical weapons, especially against Russia, as they were worried about escalation and the impact of such a decision on the overall war. But, the recent geopolitical shift, which saw over 10,000 North Korean troops deployed to support Russian armed forces in the Kursk region, made Washington reconsider and ultimately agree.
Earlier this fall, the Kursk region was, once again, reclaimed by the Ukrainian forces and became the focal point of the ongoing conflict between the two nations. On the topic of North Korea’s recent deployment, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, commented that the troops have yet to see any significant combat, however, are expected to enter active engagement soon. He further commented that, despite their numbers, the North Korean troops won’t have any significant effectiveness, due to reasons such as language barriers and a general lack of coordination with the Russian forces.
U.S. Policy and Tactical Considerations
The recent shift in the U.S. policy regarding the Ukraine war is a reflection of America’s tactical considerations towards new developments and how to enable Ukraine to counter such developments effectively. The recent authorization regarding the use of long-range tactical weapons is solely limited to the Kursk region, despite Ukraine’s long-standing demands for broader usage rights, even allowing it to target strategic installations deep within the Russian territory.
On this, a senior American defense official clearly hinter that such restrictions could be lifted, depending on the level of escalation from Russia. Even the recent permission was a result of Russia’s attack on Kharkiv. The offensive operation made U.S. officials deliberate that limiting Ukraine’s operational range would only provide Russian forces with a sanctuary.
How It Impacts War Dynamics
The recent permissions will change the landscape of the war, as it will affect Ukraine’s tactical arrangements and impact the Russian counterattack. Even though Ukraine has not yet deployed the ATACMS, it certainly has the potential to disrupt Russian supply lines and thus is a key asset in Ukraine’s strategy. However, the limited stock of these long-range missiles has limited their deployment throughout the conflict. Despite this, Ukraine has shown a willingness to use domestically developed alternatives, including drones, to achieve tactical supremacy by striking Russian oil refineries and ammunition depots.
Russia, as a result, has started relocating aircraft beyond the ATACMS range. But this will not mitigate the threat posed by these long-range missiles.
International Implications and Allied Support
The policy shift also has international implications as it raises questions about the use of similar long-range weapon systems, supplied by allies, including Britain and France. Despite these countries having advocated for unrestricted use of their weaponry, their systems rely on American components and data, thus giving the U.S. a controlling stake in their deployment. Till now, the U.S. has not made any clarifications if the permission extends to these systems as well.
