The decision was expected. The French and British had authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with their SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles. Joe Biden, after several months of pressing requests, gave Volodomyr Zelensky the go-ahead to use American ATACMS missiles, with a range of 300 kilometers, against Russia, reveals New York Times . The United States “has given the green light to the use of long-range missiles”.an American official confirmed to AFP.

This decision is a major change in the conduct of Ukrainian operations, which are said to have more American than Franco-British missiles. It comes two months before the transfer of power between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who is suspected of wanting to reduce support for Ukraine.

“The only language Putin understands”

According to the American daily, the White House lifted its ban in retaliation for the deployment of 10,000 North Korean soldiers by Russia. An escalation in the conflict, necessitated by high casualties on both sides. At the end of May, Joe Biden had already authorized Ukraine to use its HIMARS multiple rocket launcher against Russian territory, but only to defend Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city, threatened by a major intrusion by the Russian army.

Many observers saw in the American caution so far the fear of an escalation with Russia. But also strikes on oil-producing areas that would have destabilized the world market. ATACMS strikes could be used to repel a forthcoming assault by at least 50,000 soldiers, including North Koreans, in the Russian region of Kursk, partly occupied by the Ukrainian army.

“To the entry of North Korean troops into the war and the massive Russian missile attack (Sunday morning, ed. note), (US) President (Joe) Biden responded with language that V. Putin understands.”said Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister, on X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautiously welcomed reports on Sunday that Washington was allowing Kiev to strike Russian territory with the long-range missiles it supplies, noting only that these armaments “will speak for themselves”..

Recalling the importance of “long-range capability of his army, he noted that“today, many media outlets are reporting that we have received authorization to take appropriate measures.”. “But strikes are not conducted with words. Things like that are not announced.”Volodymyr Zelensky continued. “The missiles will speak for themselves.