What's happened
In a significant shift, President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against Russian targets, following a similar decision by the UK to allow Storm Shadow missile strikes. This change comes amid escalating tensions and military actions involving North Korean troops in the conflict.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, President Biden's decision to allow ATACMS use was a direct response to Russia's actions, including the involvement of North Korean troops. The article notes that this shift aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses as it faces increased pressure on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK reported that the Kremlin acknowledged the downing of ATACMS, indicating a potential escalation in military engagements. BBC News highlighted that the UK had been waiting for U.S. approval to allow Storm Shadow missile strikes, emphasizing the coordinated effort between the allies to support Ukraine's military objectives. This collective response underscores the growing urgency among Western nations to adapt their strategies in light of evolving threats from Russia.
How we got here
The U.S. and UK had previously restricted Ukraine's use of long-range missiles to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia. Recent developments, including Russia's military actions and the involvement of North Korean troops, prompted a reevaluation of this policy.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Lloyd James Austin III is a retired four-star general of the United States Army. He was the 12th commander of United States Central Command. Austin was the first Black commander to head the organization.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in