The US Embassy in Kyiv has been shut for a day, Wednesday, November 20, amid heighten fears of a significant air attack. This precaution comes as President Joe Biden makes a bold and contentious decision to allow Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles on Russian soil, shifting the U.S. stance on Ukraine’s military operations.
Why Did the US Embassy Close?
The US Embassy in Kyiv would close, according to the Department of State Consular Affairs, because of fear over the potential and massive air attack. Staffers of the embassy were told to shelter in place, and those US citizens who happen to live in Kyiv were instructed to immediately prepare to shelter in case of an air alert. It is such a precaution that stresses how intense is the war in the region.
The embassy’s closure follows a missile strike by Ukraine on Russian territories using the ATACMS missiles recently authorized by the Biden administration. The move has escalated tensions between NATO allies and Russia, with potential implications for the war’s trajectory.
Biden’s ATACMS Authorization: A Game-Changer
A critical policy shift has been given the seal of approval by President Joe Biden as he has authorized Ukraine to deploy Army Tactical Missile Systems inside Russian territory. The previously provided long-range ballistic missiles come with strict stipulations against their use inside Russia.
This decision comes just weeks ahead of Biden’s end term as president. Experts have come to believe that it reflects an urgent response to mounting challenges, including North Korean soldiers reportedly joining the war in support of Russia.
The use of ATACMS is currently limit to Russia’s Kursk region, strategically significant for both Ukraine and Russia. While the move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, it risks further escalation with Moscow, which had previously warn that such actions could be view as NATO’s direct involvement in the war.
Why is Kursk Important?
Kursk holds strategic importance as it is a buffer area between Ukraine and Russia. Control over this region would enable either side to expand their strong military stand.
Recent bombardments of Russia’s Bryansk region, bordering Kursk, by Ukraine show the growing significance of this region in the current war. Bryansk is a significant transportation hub for Russian military logistics, and the Ukraine operations attempt to fragment these moves.
US Embassy: Threats of Long-Range Missiles
With a range of 300 km (186 miles), ATACMS missiles are solid rocket propellant-powered surface-to-surface ballistic weapons. These missiles have such a hard trajectory that they become really tough to destroy.
This would allow Ukraine to attack strategic objectives inside Russia, the annexed Crimea included. With the escalation of the war, it’s very much pending where such superior weapons are going to be used because it is feare that more widening of this conflict might take place.
US Embassy: Implication for the War
This opens a new page in Biden’s agenda with ATACMS, contrary to the previous ones by NATO, because of restraint in heavy artillery for Ukraine. The decision could lead other allies to review their positions.
For instance, the pressure from Ukrainian antiwar activists mounted on Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz to provide Ukraine with cruise missiles ahead of any snap election. For his part, Britain and France have already provided Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles to Ukraine but limited their use within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Biden’s authorization could push these nations to lift those restrictions.
FAQs
1. Why has the US Embassy in Kyiv been close?
The embassy was close because of the possibility of a major air assault. Staff were advise to go to shelter, and U.S. citizens were advise to be prepare to evacuate immediately for alert.
2. What are ATACMS missiles?
ATACMS are long-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. It has a range of 300 kilometers. They are powered by solid rocket propellant, and the intercept is very hard to achieve given their high-speed ballistic trajectory.
3. Why is the region of Kursk important in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Kursk is a strategic buffer area between Ukraine and Russia. Both aspire to dominate this region for military benefits.
4. How will the ATACMS decision influence the war?
Biden’s approval will likely raise the stakes, as Ukraine can now attack Russian territory. It will also embolden other NATO members to supply Ukraine with high-tech arms.
5. What do other countries say?
While some of the NATO countries are wary. Biden’s decision may compel countries like Germany and France to review their restrictions on supplying advanced weapons to Ukraine.
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