The press review: authorize long-range missiles in Ukraine, to target Trump?

Why then make this decision now?

The arrival of North Korean soldiers on the field of operations is not unrelated. Until now, explains Le Monde, the American refusal was understood by the fear of an escalation on the Russian side. If the United States now crosses this Kremlin red line (De Standaard), it is officially because the Kremlin authorizes this employment of foreign soldiers. Clearly, the escalation has already taken place with the enlistment of the North Koreans in the conflict. The missiles – moreover – will most likely be used in the Russian zone of Kursk, the one that Ukraine conquered this summer. It’s not so much about drawing a victory. It is rather appropriate, says Le Monde,free the hand that Ukraine kept tied behind its back“.

In short. The priority is to preserve Ukraine’s few strategic assets – a small piece of Russian soil – until Donald Trump takes office. In this, the correspondent of Le Monde in Washington underlines: “The US decision is sure to cause bitterness in kyiv“.