Long-Range Missiles Mark Turning Point in Ukraine War

New Delhi, Nov 18: US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine against targets inside Russian territory as reported by the Western media. Although the formal announcement is yet to be made, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned the new weaponry, stating, "The missiles will speak for themselves." The decision marks a turning point in the conflict that might see more casualties and escalation.

AS Ukraine has got the green light to strike deeper into Russia, particularly in regions like Kursk, where Ukrainian forces currently control some territory.

This escalation has drawn sharp reactions from Moscow. Russian officials accused Washington of "throwing oil on the fire," although President Vladimir Putin has yet to directly comment on the development. Analysts believe that the U.S.'s decision may have been influenced by reports of North Korean troops bolstering Russian forces in the region. The addition of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine's arsenal is expected to target key Russian military infrastructure, including bases, supply depots, and ammunition storage facilities, potentially altering the dynamics on the battlefield. The response from Russia is going to be massive and fear for increased conflict in the region further escalates.

Missile Strike Kills 10 Amid Growing Tensions

At least ten people have lost their lives after a missile intercepted by Ukrainian air defences fell on residential buildings in the southern city of Odesa on Monday. The incident followed a weekend of widespread Russian attacks across Ukraine, highlighting the persistent danger faced by civilians even when incoming threats are ostensibly neutralised.

According to Ukraine's air force, the missile, initially intercepted by defence systems, went off course and crashed into a densely populated neighbourhood. The regional administration reported ten deaths with dozens more injured, as rescue teams rushed to the site amid debris and devastation.

The strike on Odesa is part of a broader pattern of increased Russian assaults targeting Ukrainian cities. Earlier in Sumy, a similar attack claimed eleven lives and injured over 60 people, highlighting the deadly toll of the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian air force expressed condolences to the victims' families, urging residents to heed air raid warnings promptly, as the risk of missile fragments causing collateral damage remains high.

While the U.S. has opted to provide long-range missile capabilities, Germany remains cautious. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reaffirmed his stance against supplying German-made Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite mounting pressure following the U.S.'s decision.

Scholz's recent phone conversation with President Putin stirred controversy, with critics arguing it undermined the collective Western effort to isolate Moscow. Germany continues to be a significant contributor of military aid to Ukraine, second only to the U.S., focusing on other forms of support rather than extending offensive capabilities.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen intermittent escalations since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Initially focused on territorial gains in Ukraine's eastern and southern regions, the conflict has since expanded into a broader confrontation involving international actors and complex geopolitical dynamics. The decision by the U.S. to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles represents a significant shift, one likely to provoke a strong response from Russia, as both sides prepare for intensified fighting.

For months, Ukraine had lobbied Western allies for permission to use long-range missiles, arguing that such weapons are necessary to deter further Russian aggression and disrupt supply lines. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of foreign forces, with reports indicating that North Korean troops are assisting Russian units in contested areas like Kursk.

The toll of the conflict on civilians remains high. Cities like Odesa, Sumy, and others continue to face the brunt of missile and drone attacks, with residential neighbourhoods often caught in the crossfire. Despite international condemnation and various rounds of sanctions, the fighting shows little sign of abating. As the war drags on, the human cost escalates, with both sides gearing up for offensives in the months ahead.

The question now remains whether the introduction of these new weapons will shift the balance of power or just prolong an already devastating stalemate as Trump takes over as President of the United States, will the strategy change or it is just an escalation by the outgoing President of the United States before Trump as promised in his election speeches that he will end the war within days.