Dave Patterson: Biden Relents, Authorizing Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles

After more than two years of persistent pleading to permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles provided by the West to strike targets deep inside Russia, the West agrees. As with nearly all of the weapon systems the US and NATO allies eventually supplied to Ukraine, the Biden administration dragged its feet in giving the Ukrainian military long-range precision tactical missiles for fear the weapons would escalate the conflict.

Biden Backs Off Restricting Use of Long-Range Missiles

As Liberty Nation News reported, “The ATACMS or Army Tactical Missile System, with a range of 186 miles, can hit deeper into Russia and Russian-held areas of Ukraine. The US sent the first tranche of the longer-range missile system at the beginning of 2024.” However, having the weapons and being able to use them for just any targets was not part of the deal. Ukraine could not use the missiles on targets behind the battle lines deep inside Russia. The Biden administration believed such long-range attacks would unnecessarily escalate the conflict. A prominent Washington, DC, news source explained:

“Until recently, the Biden administration was steadfastly opposed to Ukraine firing ATACMS into Russian territory, warning that the measure could lead to escalation by the Kremlin that was out of proportion to its battlefield benefits…The White House wants to put Ukraine in the best possible place ahead of peace talks that the new US president is expected to spearhead early in his term, US officials said.”

Though the last statement gives the impression the Biden administration wants to be helpful to President-elect Trump and his team in possible negotiations, Breitbart sees it differently. “The apparent about-face from the Biden administration may be seen as an attempt to undermine peace efforts by incoming President Donald Trump, who has already embarked upon unofficial diplomatic efforts to fulfill his promise of negotiating an end to the war.”

There are differing opinions on what brought Biden to free Ukraine to use the precision long-range missiles. The recent intense Russian cruise missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s electrical grid and other infrastructure could have also figured into the decision. “Russia on Sunday launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, described by officials as the largest in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians,” the Associated Press reported. That wasn’t what prompted the US to give in on permitting Kyiv to launch American ATACMS into Russia, though it was a factor in the decision.

The introduction of North Korean forces into the war was the primary reason Biden reversed his decision. “Allowing the Ukrainians to use the long-range missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, came in response to Russia’s surprise decision to bring North Korean troops into the fight, officials said,” according to The New York Times. Whatever the straw was that broke this camel’s back, there is an interesting side note on Biden’s decision. “The announcement came after Great Britain and France authorized Ukraine to launch SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes, according to French outlet Le Figaro,” Fox News reported. There has been no indications that the allies acting first influenced Biden.

Russia’s Response Unclear

What Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks has yet to be made clear. Some in the Swamp fear Russian attacks on US and NATO facilities. Others voice more moderate views, seeing a retaliatory strike by Moscow against American or NATO forces as unlikely.

Putin’s use of North Korean soldiers in his brutal war on Ukraine does add a new dimension to the conflict. Ukraine having to fight two strong militaries alone creates a compelling case for the US, NATO, and the rest of Ukraine’s friends to pull all the stops. Whatever Biden’s motives, embattled Ukrainian fighters will welcome the use of the full capability of long-range missiles.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky felt shackled by these restrictions, seeing his nation attacked by a constant barrage of Russian hypersonic cruise missiles, drones, and long-range missiles. He has taken every opportunity to argue to remove restrictions on using the ATACMS against targets inside Russia. Zelensky’s “Plan for Victory” was predicated on the capability to take the war inside Russia with attacks on strategic infrastructure and military targets. Now, Ukraine is allowed to bring the same devastation to the heart of Russia it has endured from Kremlin attacks.

Dave is a retired U.S. Air Force Pilot with over 180 combat missions in Vietnam. He is the former Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Comptroller and has served in executive positions in the private sector aerospace and defense industry. This article was first published HERE