**Biden Approves Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Missiles Amid Escalating Conflict**

President Joe Biden has granted authorization for Ukraine to deploy U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to target deeper regions within Russia. This move marks a significant shift in the U.S. stance aimed at preventing further escalation of the conflict, as confirmed by one U.S. official and three individuals familiar with the decision.

The decision to allow Ukraine the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMs) comes at a crucial time. Thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to Ukraine's northern border, assisting Russia in regaining lost territories. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a desire to swiftly end the war, showing skepticism regarding continuous U.S. support for Ukraine.

According to one source, the ATACMs may be utilized in response to North Korea's involvement in supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The official and other informed individuals spoke on conditions of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the decision publicly.

For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Western allies have urged Biden to permit Ukraine to strike military targets deeper within Russia using Western-supplied missiles. They argue that the U.S. prohibition has hindered Ukraine's ability to counter Russian attacks on its cities and critical infrastructure. Some supporters warn that these constraints could jeopardize Ukraine's chances of winning the war, a debate that has caused rifts among NATO allies.

Initially, Biden remained opposed to this escalation, fearing it could draw the U.S. and NATO members into direct conflict with Russia. However, the landscape changed with the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. Intelligence reports indicate that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to aid Moscow in reclaiming land in the Kursk region, seized by Ukraine earlier this year. Additionally, North Korea has provided significant munitions to replenish Russia's waning stockpiles.

Trump's election victory, which sees him taking office in January, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized his desire to end the conflict but avoided clear statements on supporting a Ukrainian victory. His critical stance on the Biden administration's extensive financial aid to Kyiv raises concerns among Ukraine's international backers. They fear a rushed settlement could disproportionately benefit Putin.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the United States has provided over $56.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, making it the country's most crucial ally. Despite these efforts, the Biden administration has often hesitated to supply certain advanced weapons requested by Ukraine, only relenting after persistent pressure and consultations with allies.

The recent authorization for Ukraine to use ATACMs represents a significant policy shift and comes after previous escalations, including the initial refusal and subsequent approval of advanced tanks, Patriot air defense systems, and F-16 fighter jets. In May, the White House had already permitted limited strikes with ATACMs just across the Russian border.