“North Korean Troops in Kursk Region Could Be Targeted”
President Joe Biden has authorized Ukrainian forces to use US-made long-range missiles for attacks on Russian territory in response to the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. This move comes as the war in Ukraine reaches its 1000th day. There are growing concerns that Russia might interpret this as NATO’s participation, potentially using it as a justification to escalate the war.
According to reports from US media, including the New York Times and the Washington Post, Biden has allowed the use of ATACMS missiles, which have a range of 300 km, by Ukraine against Russian territory. Previously, the US had refrained from supplying newer versions of these missiles and only provided shorter-range, older models. However, the use of these missiles for attacks on Russian soil was strictly prohibited until now.
US officials explained that this decision was in response to Russia’s offensive to retake Kursk, which included 10,000 North Korean troops among a 50,000-strong force. Russia is attempting a large-scale operation to recapture parts of Kursk taken by Ukrainian forces in August, and the US recently confirmed the involvement of North Korean troops in combat there.
The officials also stated that North Korean troops might be targeted by ATACMS missiles, which are expected to be used primarily to defend against Russian and North Korean forces stationed in Kursk. It is anticipated that Biden will permit their use in other regions afterward.
Officials believe Biden’s decision was significantly influenced by the deployment of North Korean troops, despite ongoing concerns within the US government about provoking Russia and escalating the conflict. Biden emphasized the necessity of imposing consequences on North Korea to prevent further troop deployments.
French newspaper Le Figaro reported that the UK and France have also authorized using their jointly developed long-range missile, the Storm Shadow (known as Scalp in French), against Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not deny US media reports, simply stating that “the missiles will speak for themselves.”
Russia has reacted strongly, with the Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs warning that the US decision could lead to “World War III.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also referenced prior statements by President Vladimir Putin, who warned that Western support enabling Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory would mean NATO countries, including the US and European states, are at war with Russia, prompting Russia to make suitable decisions based on the threat posed.
Many analysts believe Biden’s decision may not alter the course of the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russia continues its large-scale assaults, deploying around 120 missiles and 90 drones in a significant airstrike on Ukraine, targeting power infrastructure and restricting electricity supply nationwide as Ukraine braces for a harsh winter.
Some interpretations suggest Biden’s decision aims to create a favorable climate for potential peace talks that could commence after Donald Trump, the incoming president, takes office in January. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has proposed that Ukraine should consider ceding territory occupied by Russian forces as a condition for ending the war. If Ukrainian forces can maintain control of Kursk, it could enable negotiations for the exchange of territories lost to Russian forces in Ukraine’s east and southeast.