Biden Oks Ukraine's Use Of US Long-range US Missile On Russian Targets

President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized Ukraine's military to use U.S.-provided long-range ATACMS missiles on targets inside Russian territory, mostly focused on the Kursk region of Western Russia.

Biden's announcement came just hours after Russia concluded one of its largest missile and drone attacks in months, launching over 200 targeting Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure.

Great Britain and France had earlier reportedly authorized Ukraine to launch SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes.

Biden's decision was reportedly spurred by the Russian move to invite 10,000 North Korean soldiers into the fight against Ukraine in Kursk. However critics point out the administration may be trying to tie the hands of the incoming President Donald Trump who has vowed to push for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said the U.S.'s approval of such missile strikes by Ukraine, would constitute an act of war declared by US. and NATO.

"Flight assignments for these missile systems can, in fact, only be entered by military personnel from NATO countries," Putin said. "Ukrainian servicemen cannot do this. And therefore, it is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of making a decision whether NATO countries directly participate in the military conflict or not. If this decision is made, it will mean nothing less than the direct participation of NATO countries, the United States, and European countries, in the war in Ukraine."

Some Trump advisers are reportedly suggesting plans to push Kyiv to agree to terms that would freeze the frontlines by creating an 800-mile-long demilitarized zone and allow Russia to keep some parts of the land it controls, in exchange for a permanent peace.