**Biden Eases Restrictions, Allowing Ukraine to Use Long-Range U.S. Weapons in Russia**

In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has approved the use of U.S.-supplied long-range weapons for Ukraine to conduct limited strikes within Russian territory, confirmed by two U.S. officials. This development comes amid the escalating involvement of North Korean troops, numbering in the thousands, who have been deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk region.

The newly granted authority pertains to the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which Ukrainian officials had been requesting for some time. Previously, the Biden administration had been hesitant to provide these due to stockpile concerns and the effective use of other assets by Ukrainian forces, such as drones. However, the strategic dynamics have shifted, prompting this policy change. The administration’s decision follows intense discussions and a growing necessity to counter the joint Russian and North Korean military presence.

In an earlier move in May, Biden had covertly lifted restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use American weapons for cross-border strikes into Russia, but with limitations on longer-range attacks deeper into Russian territory. This latest decision goes a step further, potentially altering the battlefield dynamics significantly. The considered use of ATACMS aims to counter the concentrated forces of Russia and North Korea effectively.

As Biden’s term nears its end, this authorization signifies a noteworthy shift in U.S. policy. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has indicated plans to reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This prospective policy change has raised concerns, given the substantial U.S. aid amounting to $175 billion, which has been vital for Ukraine's defense efforts.

The crisis remains critical, as evidenced by a recent Russian missile attack on Sunday that resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals and extensive damage to Ukraine's power infrastructure. The decision on the use of ATACMS might represent one of the last significant strategic moves of the Biden administration in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.