Joe Biden is carefully considering the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine's conflict with Russia, balancing strategic advantages against potential escalation risks. The US President is poised to permit Ukraine to employ British-made Storm Shadow missiles within Russian territory, utilizing American targeting technology. However, he remains hesitant about authorizing the use of US-manufactured ATACMS missiles for similar purposes.
The Biden administration's cautious approach stems from concerns that deploying American-made missiles could intensify conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East. This decision-making process occurs against the backdrop of Iran's recent shipment of long-range weapons to Russia, which has altered the strategic calculus for Western allies.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, addressed this issue during his recent visit to Kyiv, stating, "We discussed the missiles and I will take that discussion back to Washington to brief the president." This diplomatic engagement underscores the ongoing deliberations within the US government regarding military support for Ukraine.
The debate over long-range missiles is the latest in a series of discussions about Western support for Ukraine. Previous deliberations have centered around the provision of HIMARS artillery, M1 Abrams tanks, and F-16 fighter jets. Each of these weapons systems has played a crucial role in shaping the conflict's dynamics since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, now over 2.5 years ago.
Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning regarding the potential use of Western weapons inside Russia. He asserted, "We are talking about deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not." This statement highlights the delicate balance Western allies must maintain to support Ukraine without triggering a broader conflict with Russia.
"We are not talking about allowing or not allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons. We are talking about deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not."
The UK has expressed willingness to allow Storm Shadows to be used in Russia for several weeks. However, the decision has been delayed due to Biden's resistance to Ukraine using American targeting systems in conjunction with these missiles. This situation exemplifies the complex interplay between allies in providing military support to Ukraine.
Ben Wallace, who served as the UK's Secretary of State for Defence from 2019 to 2023, emphasized the strategic importance of long-range missiles. He stated, "It is a mystery to me why countries that say they want Ukraine to win, such as Germany and America, often end up in this tug of war for capabilities." Wallace argued that such missiles would enable Ukraine to "layer its defence" against Russian attacks across a significant range.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, with both sides engaged in intense battles in the eastern Donbas region, the international community watches closely. The decisions made regarding long-range missiles could have far-reaching implications for the course of the war and the broader geopolitical landscape.