US President Joe Biden has authorized the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine for strikes inside Russia, in a last-ditch effort to boost morale among Ukrainian forces amid concerns about the potential impact of a new administration. The move comes as Donald Trump prepares to take office and is seen as a bid to show that the current administration remains committed to supporting Ukraine.
The authorization, which was confirmed by the White House on Monday, allows Ukraine to attack deeper within Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The decision was made with full awareness that US foreign policy could soon be overhauled once Trump is in office.
Biden’s strategy in Ukraine has been centered around defending US allies and has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Critics have accused him of being too cautious, while supporters argue that his approach has helped to avoid a broader conflict.
The move to empower Ukraine comes as the administration is trying to move quickly to provide military equipment and financial assistance for the country. However, with Biden’s lame-duck status now complete, it remains to be seen how much influence he will have on shaping US policy in the final months of his presidency.
Trump has campaigned on an “America First” isolationist approach and has accused other nations of not contributing enough to security alliances. His views on Ukraine have been particularly harsh, with him suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should have cut a deal with Russia earlier on.
The decision by Biden’s administration to give Ukraine more leeway in its war effort is seen as a bid to show the international community that the US remains committed to supporting Ukraine. However, it also raises questions about how much influence Biden will have in shaping US policy once Trump takes office.
With the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro providing a platform for world leaders to discuss pressing global issues, many are wondering whether the focus will shift towards other topics as Trump prepares to take office. The Amazon rainforest, which was visited by Biden on Sunday, is one area where he highlighted his commitment to environmental protection.
Despite the efforts of his administration, it remains to be seen how much impact Biden’s last-ditch push for Ukraine will have in the final months of his presidency.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/world/biden-g20-trump.html