Marek Menkiszak of the Center for Eastern Studies, pointing to the US administration's approval of Ukraine's incursions into Russian deep territory, Joe Biden's decision is a warning to Russia that Ukraine's actions should wait. According to the expert, consent to the use of missiles with a range of about 300 kilometers can “strengthen Ukraine's position in the peace talks.”
The administration of US President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to use US weapons for deep strikes against Russia. According to the Reuters news agency, it is expected that Ukraine will launch its first long-range attacks in the coming days using ATAKMS missiles, which have a range of about 300 kilometers. The deployment of North Korean ground forces on the Russian front should have changed America's decision. Similar reports were published by AP, AFP and the New York Times, among others. Marek Menkiszak, the head of the Russian team at the Center for Eastern Studies, said that the decision of the US administration may be to “strengthen Ukraine's position in possible peace talks.” – The point is that at the moment the Russian side does not have the only tactical advantage. And to some extent balancing the actions that the Russians are doing now and allowing the Ukrainians to negotiate from a better position in the near future, Menkiszak said.
US response to Russian escalation
As he explained, the permission to use long-range weapons to Ukraine has been discussed for several months. He assessed that the escalation of the Russian side, with the involvement of Korean forces in frontal operations and widespread attacks on the infrastructure of Ukraine, has a “clear goal”. – The idea is to lead to a possible humanitarian crisis in Ukraine during the winter – he added. According to him, “the best way to balance the situation would be to agree to the deep attacks of the Americans on the Russian side.” As he emphasized, the information indicating the decision “points to the fact that this is a warning to Russia that it should wait for the actions of Ukraine.” He noted that there are still two months left in Joe Biden's presidency, and “his administration can still strengthen the situation of Ukrainians through these types of decisions.”
Ballistic Missile ATACMS John Hamilton/White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs / DVIDS
“Biden's decision does not bother Trump”
When asked about the possible agreement of the future US President Donald Trump on the same issue, the expert said that at the moment it is only a guess, but “this option was discussed if the Russians do not agree to a ceasefire on the terms dictated by the UN. States, Trump supports the Ukrainians will increase”. Menkishak emphasized that the balance of both sides of the conflict is in the interest of the United States. – Biden's decision does not bother Trump. In fact, it would give him a better chance of forcing a ceasefire against Russia if Ukraine's position is a little better than before, he said.
Russia's biggest attack in months
On Sunday, Russia carried out a series of attacks on the territory of Ukraine. It was the largest aerial bombardment since August. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched. The target was an already weak energy system. Officials said that at least 7 people were killed and the network was damaged. “Drones and missiles are targeting peaceful cities, peaceful residents and important infrastructure. This is the true response of war criminal Putin to everyone who has called and visited him recently,” said Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiha.
Main photo source: president.gov.ua
