US authorizes Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles against Russian targets

The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for strikes inside Russia. This marks a significant policy change, allowing Ukraine to target Russian forces more effectively. ATACMS are short-range ballistic missiles capable of hitting targets up to 190 miles away. They can be launched from U.S.-provided HIMARS systems and are intended to support Ukraine against Russian and North Korean troops in the Kursk region. Previously, the U.S. had withheld approval for Ukraine to use these missiles across the border due to concerns about escalating the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long sought this capability to enhance Ukraine's counter-offensive efforts.