'Pouring Oil On Fire': Russia seethes as Biden’s missile move ups the Ukraine stakes

In a major policy shift, outgoing US President Joe Biden’s administration has approved the use of US-made long-range weapons by Ukraine to strike Russia. This decision has heightened fears of further escalation in the ongoing conflict and marks a significant departure from Washington’s previous stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.

For months, Russia had cautioned against such an action, warning it could lead to a direct confrontation between Moscow and the US-led NATO alliance. This move comes just before US President-elect Donald Trump, who has been critical of US aid to Ukraine and promised to end the war swiftly, is set to take office.

Russia’s Furious Response

The Kremlin reacted strongly to Biden's decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting it could signify a new level of US involvement in the conflict. Peskov accused the US of “pouring fuel to the fire,” and Russian senator Vladimir Dzhabarov called it “an unprecedented step towards World War III.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet made an official statement, but in September, he had warned that US approval of long-range weapons for Ukraine would be seen as NATO’s direct participation in the war.

Global Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the reports in a video statement, emphasizing that such strikes are carried out without prior announcement. Polish President Andrzej Duda praised the move as necessary, potentially decisive, showing the West’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

Conversely, Germany has refused to provide long-range weapons to Ukraine despite being its second-highest donor of military aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent discussions with Putin might have influenced this decision. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Scholz, accusing him of seeking opportunities to negotiate with Russia for energy resources.

Strategic Implications

Analysts suggest that the approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS rockets, which can reach up to 190 miles, is partly a response to Russia's alleged deployment of North Korean troops. However, the decision may be too late to change the war's course significantly. Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted that this decision, while impactful, might not substantially alter the fighting dynamics.

The number of ATACMS available to Ukraine is limited, and this scarcity will influence Ukraine’s ability to maintain control in the contested regions. Moreover, Russia’s military build-up in response to this approval and their expanded missile production suggest that Moscow has been preparing for such a development.

Uncertain Future

The full impact of this decision will likely depend on Donald Trump’s policies once he takes office on January 20. Trump has promised a swift end to the war and has criticized current US military support for Ukraine. The potential for a larger conflict with NATO remains uncertain, but preparations on both sides suggest that the situation could escalate further.

As the conflict evolves, the world watches closely, uncertain of what the future holds and wary of the implications of these recent developments.