Biden authorizes Ukraine's use of ATACMs for strikes inside Russia
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The decision to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles has been contentious, with Pentagon officials worried about limited US supplies and White House officials concerned about escalating the war.
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US Army soldiers conducts live fire testing at White Sands Missile Range on December 14, 2021. (AP)
According to The New York Times, US President Joe Biden has for the first time approved Ukraine's request to use US long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory, signaling a dramatic shift in US policy.
The Biden administration was afraid that Kiev's potential strikes with long-range missiles could prompt Russia to launch a military reaction against the US and its allies, the article stated.
The decision to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles has been a contentious issue since the war in Ukraine began, with some Pentagon officials concerned about limited US supplies, while White House officials feared escalating the war by supplying the missiles.
Supporters of a tougher stance on Russia argue that Biden’s cautious approach has hindered Ukraine’s battlefield success, while others believe it has helped avoid direct Russian retaliation.
As Russia intensifies its offensive in Kursk, US officials are increasingly concerned about Ukraine’s strained military, and it is possible Biden's policy shift is motivated by fears that Donald Trump will end US support for Ukraine.
Trump criticized Zelensky's relationship with the Biden administration, labeling him "the greatest salesman in history" for securing billions in aid from Biden's administration.
The US has been Ukraine's largest donor since the outbreak of the war in 2022, with Congress allocating tens of billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid. Moscow has consistently condemned this support, arguing that it prolongs the conflict and will not alter the outcome.
Zelensky admits troop shortages despite stricter draft laws
Meanwhile, Ukraine faces numerous challenges like troop shortages and ongoing corruption scandals, particularly within Ukraine's military and government.
Speaking in an interview with Ukrainskoye Radio on Saturday, Zelensky acknowledged the challenges posed by exhausted brigades at the frontlines and the lack of adequately trained reinforcements.
"We have not mobilized enough troops," Zelensky said, referring to two laws enacted earlier this year.
The first law lowered the draft age from 27 to 25, while the second aimed to curtail draft dodging by requiring eligible citizens to report for "data clarification" with military authorities.
Despite these measures, Zelensky rejected claims that Ukraine had conscripted 500,000 men, stressing the need for more soldiers to replenish frontline units.
"The brigades in the East are exhausted, rotation is needed. The guys are getting tired and leaving. They must be replaced with fresh units," Zelensky admitted, describing the situation on the frontlines as "really difficult" and conceding that Russian forces have made "slow progress."
Ukraine's mobilization policies, which bar most men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country, have encountered significant resistance.
Recruitment drives have been marred by allegations of widespread bribery and evasion, with some men resorting to dangerous escape attempts to avoid conscription.
