President Joe Biden’s recent decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons to strike deep into Russian territory could be reviewed by his successor, Donald Trump. The information, released by pro-Kremlin media outlets, brings to light a possible change in stance regarding the United States’ military strategy in the war between Kiev and Moscow. The information is from Newsweek.
According to the New York TimesBiden lifted the ban on the supply of long-range missiles, such as the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), previously feared for a possible escalation in the conflict. The decision was taken with the aim of strengthening Ukraine’s position against Russian forces, especially in the Kursk region, where, in August, Kiev carried out a significant incursion.
Although the White House did not officially confirm the report until earlier this week, the Russian state news agency, Tassmade predictions about the possible consequences of this measure. According to an anonymous source, who identified himself as part of Trump’s transition team, Biden’s decision could be quickly reversed. “I suspect almost everything will be reviewed,” the source said, suggesting the policy change could be one of Trump’s first moves if he returns to power.
The source also reinforced the principle that, in the United States, there is only one president in office at a time. “Until noon on January 20, 2025, this president is Joe Biden,” he recalled. However, the source indicated that the current administration has little time to implement its policies, especially with regard to arms supplies to Ukraine. “The decision to use these missiles was made by him,” he said, but suggested the next administration could quickly revoke it.
The supply of long-range weaponry to Ukraine, such as ATACMS missiles, has been a point of contention among Western allies, with concerns about the risk of a wider war involving Russia. Biden’s move, which aims to increase pressure on Moscow, reflects an intensification of US support for Ukraine, but also places the current president at the center of a controversy that could be reconsidered by his successor.
O New York Times reported that American officials believe Biden’s decision to allow Ukrainian strikes with US weapons will not fundamentally change the course of the war, but may have been influenced by the deployment of North Korean troops to Kursk. John Hardie, of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Newsweek that this measure will allow Ukraine to reach strategic targets in Russia, strengthening its position in future negotiations.
Although Jon Finer, deputy national security adviser, did not confirm the report, he stressed that Washington will “respond” to the deployment of North Korean troops, attributing the escalation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On the other hand, Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, warned that this US decision would intensify the conflict and mark a new level of American involvement.
