US President Joe Biden for the first time authorized the use by Ukraine of long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory, the New York Times newspaper writes, citing unnamed representatives of the American administration.
Explanation
The statement claims that President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory for the first time. However, news from the New York Times and multiple sources indicates that this action marks a significant shift in U.S. policy but is not the first authorization. Sources implied that Biden previously allowed limited strikes within Russian territory at least as early as May 2024, suggesting that there have been prior precedents for such authorizations. Furthermore, while the exact timing and specifics of the ATACMS authorization might still be emerging, the broad context reveals a continuous evolution rather than a first-ever authorization. Thus, while the statement is directionally correct in indicating a new development, it oversimplifies the situation by implying it is the absolute first approval of offensive capabilities intended for strikes deep into Russian territory.
Key Points
- Biden has authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons, but it is not entirely the first time; there have been earlier permissions for limited strikes.
- The context of authorizing deeper strikes illustrates an evolving U.S. military support policy rather than a singular event.
- The specific mention of ATACMS missiles as a first use may be premature or misinterpreted based on previous authorizations for other types of strikes.
