Biden lets Ukraine use long-range ATACMS missiles to strike inside Russia
Nov 18, 2024
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Joining the discussion are Joe Barnes, Brussels Correspondent for The Telegraph, who sheds light on the political intricacies of the Ukraine war, and James Crisp, Europe Editor at The Telegraph, offering insights into European relations. They delve into President Biden’s controversial decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia, analyzing its strategic implications. The conversation covers Biden's military support shift, the domestic and international political ramifications, and Europe's delicate balance in response to increasing tensions.
The U.S. authorization for Ukraine to strike inside Russia marks a pivotal shift in military strategy, reflecting urgent geopolitical concerns.
Amid increased Russian aggression, the podcast highlights the complexities of domestic politics affecting U.S. support for Ukraine's defense efforts.
Deep dives
Shift in U.S. Policy on Weapons for Ukraine
The recent authorization by the U.S. government allows Ukraine to use U.S.-provided missiles in limited strikes within Russian territory, particularly in the Kursk region. This decision comes in response to North Korean troop deployments and aims to generate a specific impact according to U.S. officials. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of actions over announcements, stating that the effectiveness of these missiles would indeed speak for themselves. However, critics argue that the U.S. restrictions still limit Ukraine’s capabilities significantly and may not alter the war's overall trajectory.
Unprecedented Airstrikes on Ukraine
Over the weekend, Ukraine experienced one of the highest levels of missile and drone strikes since the beginning of the conflict, targeting critical energy infrastructure. Russian forces launched around 120 missiles and 90 drones, with Ukraine claiming to have intercepted over 140 of those targets. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, with notable impacts in regions such as Sumy and Odessa. These developments underscore the high stakes of military engagement in the ongoing war and the continuing threat to civilian populations.
Diplomatic Relationships and Modern Warfare
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent call with President Putin aimed to re-establish a dialogue, but it seems to have coincided with intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine. Scholz's position within Germany's complex political landscape is precarious, seeking to balance military support for Ukraine with the apprehensions of German citizens regarding escalation. The evolving dynamics around the conflict also highlight the differing perspectives within Europe about engagement and defense strategies against Russia. This illustrates the complicated nature of leading a country with historical ties to Russia while navigating the current geopolitical tensions.
Implications of Domestic Politics on Foreign Policy
As the situation develops, the American political landscape, particularly regarding the forthcoming election, plays a crucial role in shaping the U.S. approach to Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Biden's decisions may be influenced by strategic considerations to reinforce his legacy against the backdrop of a potential Trump presidency. The complex interplay of electoral pressures prompts leaders to reconcile support for Ukraine with domestic expectations, particularly as war fatigue grows among the populace. This situation complicates the broader strategy for ensuring continued support for Ukraine amid changing political tides.
Today, after a weekend that saw the biggest missile and drone attack on Ukraine in almost a year, we examine whether President Biden’s permission - finally - for Ukraine to use US weapons inside Russia, is responsible statecraft or too little, too late?
Contributors:
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X.
Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.