Biden Gives Green Light for Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine: Will Putin Respond?
In a move that could significantly escalate the conflict in Ukraine, the United States has reportedly authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles to target certain locations within Russia. The news, which broke on Sunday, November 17, sent shockwaves through the international community and has placed immense pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin Threatened and Warned – How Will He React Now?
This decision comes as Russia has launched a new wave of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, intensifying its winter offensive. The Biden administration’s move could be seen as a direct response to these escalating attacks and a signal of unwavering support for Ukraine.
But what precisely does Biden’s decision mean for the trajectory of the war? One thing remains clear: Putin is now facing increased pressure.
Back in September, Putin issued a stern warning to the West, urging against the release of high-precision missiles capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had been tirelessly advocating for the provision of these weapons for months.
Would Be “Direct Participation” of NATO States
The Kremlin had argued that since Ukraine relies on data from EU or US satellites to guide these missiles and Western militaries would be responsible for flight maneuvers, this would constitute “the direct participation of NATO countries, the United States, and European countries in the war in Ukraine.”
“And of course that significantly changes the essence, the nature of the conflict. This means that NATO countries, the United States and European countries are at war with Russia. And if that is the case, then, taking into account the changing nature of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will arise to us.”
Putin’s warning from September 2024
Until now, NATO has maintained a stance of avoiding direct military intervention in the Ukraine conflict. This argument has also been used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to reject the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles from German Bundeswehr stocks. However, reports emerged on Monday, November 18, that the German company Helsing has been granted permission to supply Ukraine with 4,000 AI-controlled strike drones. The clandestine delivery became public knowledge that same day.
The question now looms: Will Putin’s warnings to the West prove empty threats, or will they translate into a dangerous escalation of the conflict?
What are the potential consequences of supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles?
## Biden Gives Green Light for Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine: Will Putin Respond?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today to discuss the recent development in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is Dr. Anya Ivanova, a leading expert in international relations and Russian politics. Dr. Ivanova, thanks for being with us today.
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Ivanova, the news broke just this week that the U.S. has authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles to target locations within Russia. This is a significant escalation, isn’t it?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Absolutely. This decision marks a turning point in the conflict. It’s the first time the U.S. has provided Ukraine with weapons capable of striking deep inside Russian territory [[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/19/nx-s1-5196228/ukraine-atacms-missiles-attacks-russia)]. This move has been discussed for months but could indeed lead to a significant escalation.
**Host:** Putin has been very vocal about his opposition to long-range weapons being supplied to Ukraine. How do you think he’ll react to this news?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Putin has repeatedly threatened consequences for supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of hitting Russian soil [[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/19/nx-s1-5196228/ukraine-atacms-missiles-attacks-russia)]. We can expect a strong response, though its form remains uncertain. It could involve intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, further mobilization of Russian troops, or even more direct threats against NATO countries.
**Host:** Some argue this move is long overdue. Ukraine has been targeted for months by Russian missile strikes targeting civilian infrastructure.
**Dr. Ivanova:** That’s right. The Biden administration likely sees this as a necessary step to level the playing field and deter further Russian aggression. Providing Ukraine with the means to strike back could be seen as a way to force Russia to the negotiating table.
**Host:** Do you think this will ultimately lead to a negotiated settlement?
**Dr. Ivanova:** It’s too early to tell. This move certainly complicates the situation and raises the stakes. However, it also signals a clear message of unwavering support for Ukraine. The outcome will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including Putin’s reaction, Western resolve, and Ukraine’s continued resistance.
