In this image provided by the U.S. Army, soldiers, from the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade out of Fort Bragg N.C., conduct live fire testing at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., on Dec. 14, 2021, of early versions of the Army Tactical Missile System.
John Hamilton/White Sands Missile Range, via Associated Press
In a groundbreaking and highly controversial move, President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine’s use of long-range U.S. weapons against Russian territory. This decision, made towards the end of his presidency, marks a stark departure from Washington’s previous red lines aimed at containing the conflict.
Let’s break this down.
Why now? Why did Biden choose this moment to authorize such a significant escalation? Was it a strategic necessity or a desperate attempt to tip the scales in Ukraine’s favor before his term ends?
We have the following to consider: Russia’s unrelenting offensive, now supported by North Korean troops, has tilted the battlefield heavily in Moscow’s favor. Ukraine is under siege—its energy infrastructure bombed just a few hours ago in a large attack with the use of around 120 missiles and 90 drones, its frontlines buckling, innocent civilians killed with dwindling resources, and a ticking clock against Ukraine as Trump nears taking up office. How long can Ukraine hold out without stronger weapons?
And then there’s the matter of timing. Why approve this decision mere weeks before Trump takes office? Is this a calculated maneuver to limit Trump’s options for negotiating peace? Or is it a last-ditch effort by Biden to show unwavering support for Ukraine, despite the risks of escalation?
Let’s talk about the risks.
Russia has been clear—any attack on its territory using U.S. weapons would be viewed as direct involvement by Washington. So, what happens now? Will Moscow retaliate against the United States? Could this decision provoke a larger, deadlier confrontation?
There is also the issue with nuclear weapons—Russia has changed their Nuclear doctrine, allowing them to eliminate anything they deem as a threat with their own nuclear weapons. Will they attempt to use their nuclear weapons against the U.S.?
And what about North Korea? Their troops are on the ground, fighting alongside Russian forces. If U.S. weapons kill North Korean soldiers, will Pyongyang strike back? Could this set the stage for a multi-front conflict involving the U.S., Russia, and North Korea?
But this is not the end of the story. There is another part to it.
Biden’s decision also aims to send a message to the world: Don’t get involved. By enabling Ukraine to strike back, Washington hopes to deter North Korea.
This move by North Korea has allowed a threatening direction for global security, increasing risks for wars in the future with allies sending their own troops to the front to make an attack. This is what Biden and Washington hopes to extinguish.
And here’s the big question:
Are we standing at the brink of a new world war?
The warning signs are there—proxies fighting proxies, superpowers arming their allies, their own troops joining the assaults, and red lines being crossed. Where does this end?
The stakes are immense. This decision could reshape the war, the region, and the future of global security. But will it lead to peace—or plunge the world into greater chaos?
By: Tim Figueroa, Market Analyst
