NEWSFLASH: U.S. lifts ban on Ukraine missile strikes in Russia

With just two months left in office, Biden reportedly takes the gloves off. But the belated, lame-duck decision has some Ukrainian frustrated. We walk through the practical effects of this change.

President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use U.S.-made weapons known as ATACMS on long-range strikes into Russian territory, The Washington Post, Reuters and The New York Times report.

The move is meant to send a signal to North Korea.

The Hermit Kingdom has deployed approximately 10,000 troops to the Kursk region, where Ukrainians hold Russian territory. WaPo writes:

One U.S. official said the move is in part aimed at deterring Pyongyang from sending more troops.

Meanwhile, France and the United Kingdom have authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles, Le Figaro writes. Because of critical American components, this requires a U.S. blessing. After its publication of this news, Le Figaro removed this reporting from its website without explanation.

The news is being met with support from some, but also painful frustration from those who had hoped it would come earlier. 

Read what this ban lifting will do for Ukrainian military strategy, and the Russian attacks it could help prevent: paid subscribers get access to our breaking news alerts!