Biden’s Limits on Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles: ABlow to Kyiv’s Offensive?
Washington, D.C. -A recent report by the New York Times reveals a significant rift between the United States and Ukraine regarding the use of long-range missiles provided by Washington. According tofour unnamed US officials, President Biden refused to authorize Ukrainian forces to strike deep inside Russian territory during a September meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Thisrevelation has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and the future of US-Ukrainian military cooperation.
The report states that Zelensky was shocked by Biden’s decision, a sentiment echoed by Zelensky’soffice, which confirmed the news. The Ukrainian president had previously expressed his need for long-range weapons to target Russian military infrastructure and logistics centers located far behind the front lines.
While the US has provided Ukraine with significant military aid,including advanced weaponry, the Biden administration has been hesitant to greenlight the use of these weapons for strikes within Russia. The White House reportedly fears that such actions could escalate the conflict and potentially draw the US into a direct confrontation with Russia.
A senior Ukrainian advisor, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Kyiv had repeatedly presented its case for using long-range missiles, providing detailed justifications and target lists. The US knows all the details, the target list, and the reasons, the advisor stated. Unfortunately, there has been no political decision yet that is favorable to moving forward with this work.
The US’s reluctance to authorize long-range strikes has raised concernsamong some observers about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The lack of such capabilities could significantly limit Ukraine’s ability to disrupt Russian logistics and weaken its defensive positions.
The report also highlights the growing tension between the US and Ukraine over the use of advanced weaponry. While the US has been a major supporter of Ukraine’s defense, it appears to be drawing a line in the sand when it comes to direct attacks on Russian territory. This decision could have significant implications for the future of the conflict and the trajectory of US-Ukrainian relations.
The revelation comes amidst heightened concerns about the potential for escalation. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putinwarned that any direct involvement by NATO, the US, or European countries in the conflict would constitute an act of war. Putin’s statement underscored the delicate balance at play and the potential for the conflict to spiral out of control.
The US’s decision to restrict Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles raisescrucial questions about the future of the conflict. Will Ukraine be able to achieve its objectives without the ability to strike deep within Russia? Will the US continue to provide military support while limiting Ukraine’s offensive capabilities? And what are the long-term implications of this decision for the US-Ukrainian relationship? These are just someof the questions that remain unanswered as the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold.
References:
- The New York Times, Biden Has Not Allowed Ukraine to Strike Deep Into Russia, Officials Say, October 29, 2024.
- Reuters, Putin warns of ‘direct confrontation’ withWest if NATO lifts Ukraine weapons restrictions, September 12, 2024.
- 美媒：拜登未允许乌军用美援导弹打击俄腹地 – Phoenix.com, October 30, 2024.
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