Biden Approves Use of ATACMS by Ukraine

President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-made long-range missiles, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), to strike targets deep within Russia. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, previously focused on avoiding escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had been advocating for such a move for months, citing the need to counter Russian aggression more effectively. Russian officials have responded with sharp criticism, warning that this could lead to a direct NATO involvement in the war and escalate tensions further. The authorization allows Ukraine to conduct its first long-range attacks within Russia's internationally recognized borders, a significant change from previous restrictions. This development follows reports of North Korean troops being deployed to support Russian forces, increasing alarm in Washington and Kyiv.