U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russian territory, signaling a notable shift in U.S. policy. 

According to unnamed U.S. officials and sources cited by Reuters, Ukraine is expected to initially target Russian and North Korean forces stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The sources added that Washington might permit the missiles' use in other locations, though operational security concerns have limited further details. Kyiv is reportedly preparing to conduct its first long-range strikes in the coming days. 

This decision follows Russia's reported plans for a large-scale assault on Ukrainian forces in the region, supported by North Korean troops. While U.S. officials do not anticipate the move to alter the overall trajectory of the war, the authorization is aimed at helping Ukraine target critical military assets and deterring further involvement by Pyongyang. 

President Biden's approval comes after initial hesitation due to fears of escalating tensions with Moscow. Proponents of the move argue that equipping Ukraine with ATACMS will significantly bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities amid intensifying Russian offensives and drone and missile attacks. 

The policy change reportedly followed a visit by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to Washington on August 30, where he presented U.S. officials with a list of high-value targets in Russia that Ukraine seeks to engage using the advanced missile systems. (ILKHA)