Outgoing President Joe Biden Lifts Ban on Ukraine to Use US Weapons Against Russia

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden , on Sunday, lifted ban on Ukraine to use weapons of United States (US). This move from outgoing US President Biden is considered his major move to support Ukraine's fight against Russia before leaving White House in January paving way for Donald Trump to resume charge. According to reports, Biden has allowed Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia. 

Notably, this decision from US president comes as Russia reportedly brings in thousands of North Korean troops to help fight in Ukraine. Now decision by US president has given Ukraine more powerful weapons to target military sites inside Russia, which h previously been off-limits.

Ukraine Has Been Asking For Long-Range Army Tactical Missile Systems For Months

It is being said that long-range missiles involved are called Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs), which Ukraine has been asking for months, saying y are needed to stop Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, like power grids. Until now, US h placed limits on how se weapons could be used to avoid escalating conflict.

This change comes as Russia sends more troops from North Korea to reinforce its forces. North Korean soldiers are helping Russia try to regain territory in Ukraine that it lost earlier in war. 

Biden's decision also follows election of former President Donald Trump, who has said he wants to end war quickly. Trump has raised concerns about wher US should continue its support for Ukraine, ding uncertainty about future aid.

longer-range missiles are seen as a response to North Korea’s involvement in war. Biden h previously been cautious about giving Ukraine such vanced weapons, fearing it could le to a bigger conflict with Russia, which has nuclear weapons.

At same time, United Nations is calling for peace and a fair resolution to war. On or hand, Russia, on Sunday, launched a large missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians.

North Korea's help to Russia includes sending troops and supplying weapons to replace Russia’s lost stockpiles. This development is causing worry among Ukraine’s allies, especially since Trump has suggested he might pressure Ukraine into making territorial concessions to end war.

So far, US has given Ukraine more than USD 56 billion in military aid. However, Biden ministration has been careful about what kinds of weapons it provides, initially delaying shipments of vanced tanks, fighter jets, and air defence systems.

In May, US allowed Ukraine to use American weapons for limited strikes just across Russian border. Now, with new missile approval, Ukraine can target deeper inside Russian territory.