Media: Why The US Allowed Ukraine To Strike ATACMS Against Russia

• 18.11.2024, 13:48

There is an important factor.

The decision by the current US President Joe Biden to lift the restriction on Ukraine's use of Western weapons for strikes deep into Russia is partly aimed at keeping North Korea from sending additional troops to the war.

The Washington Post writes about this, citing a senior US official. The source pointed out that North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un must understand that sending troops was a "costly" mistake.

According to two senior US officials who wished to remain anonymous, Biden authorized the use of American long-range weapons to carry out limited strikes on Russian territory in response to North Korea's deployment of thousands of troops to assist the Kremlin in its war against Ukraine.

As the publication notes, North Korea sent about 10,000 of its elite soldiers to the Kursk region of Russia.

"The Biden administration fears that other North Korean special forces units may follow in support of these efforts," WP writes.

Ukraine is expected to initially use long-range weapons to strike in and around the Kursk region. However, these "efforts," that is, the radius of destruction, may subsequently be expanded.

The journalist was also told that the White House, the Pentagon, and the Office of the President of Ukraine declined to comment.

As American officials told journalists, the White House wants Ukraine to be in the best possible position ahead of potential peace talks, which are expected to be led by newly elected US President Donald Trump.

The Biden administration has previously strongly opposed ATACMS strikes on Russian territory, fearing that this would lead to escalation by the Kremlin.