The United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (U.K.), and France have authorized Ukraine to conduct strikes within Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles, according to multiple reports. The decision comes amid reports of Russia deploying thousands of North Korean troops to the Kursk region and intensifying military offensives. 

The U.S. authorization, confirmed by officials speaking on condition of anonymity, allows Ukraine to use U.S.’s Army Tactical Missile Systems to strike deeper into Russia. The U.K. and France have similarly lifted restrictions on the use of their Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles, as reported by Le Figaro.

Previously, Ukraine’s Western allies had withheld such permissions, citing concerns over escalating the conflict and the potential for Russian retaliation.

These long-range weapons significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to target Russian military infrastructure deep within its territory. Presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, speaking to The Wall Street Journal, stated that the use of the weapons could undermine Russian forces and increase domestic pressure on the Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at imminent military action in his nightly address on Sunday, stating, “The missiles will speak for themselves.” The statement followed a deadly Russian attack on the city of Sumy, near the border, and a barrage of drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, described by officials as the largest in recent months.

I am deeply grateful to all our partners who support us with air defense systems and missiles. This is a truly global effort. Every time Russia carries out such attacks, it underscores how critical it is that partners don’t leave systems like Patriot and others sitting idle in… pic.twitter.com/4VZu4JpzxG

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2024