What's happened
The U.S. has authorized Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike deeper into Russian territory, particularly in the Kursk region. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy amid ongoing military tensions and North Korean support for Russia. The implications for the conflict are profound.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Samya Kullab in The Independent, the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use ATACMS represents a significant policy shift, as it had previously resisted such measures to avoid escalating the conflict with Russia. Kullab notes that the missiles could be used to target Russian military assets in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have recently engaged. Meanwhile, The Moscow Times highlights concerns from analysts who believe this move may be too limited and comes too late, suggesting that the U.S. has historically provided just enough support to prevent Ukraine from achieving a decisive victory. The article quotes intelligence analyst Ryan McBeth, who criticized the U.S. approach as insufficient, stating, 'When a man’s house is on fire, you’re not helping that much if you hand them a hose and only give them enough water to make the fire a little damp.' This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate about the adequacy of Western support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
How we got here
Ukraine has long sought advanced weaponry from Western allies to counter Russian military advantages. The U.S. previously restricted the use of its missile systems to avoid escalating the conflict. Recent developments, including North Korea's involvement, prompted a reevaluation of this stance.
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