Could permission for strikes deep into Russia change course of war? Expert opinion
Illustrative photo: Ukraine will be able to hit Russia with Western missiles (Getty Images)
Permission to strike deep into Russia with Western missiles is not enough to change the situation at the front. The number of missiles the Ukrainian defense has is also important, said Chairman of the Board of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, Volodymyr Fesenko, and Retired Lieutenant General and former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ihor Romanenko in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine.
The impact of the decision on the course of the war
"The key question is how many such missiles the Defense Forces have, to change the situation at the front and achieve the main objective — to halt the enemy's advance," said Romanenko.
He believes that the issue of the number of missiles may be clarified in the near future.
In turn, Fesenko notes that it is unlikely that there will be such a massive attack on Russian territory as on November 17, when Russia launched 120 missiles at Ukraine.
"We will target specific objects, which will have a limited but still important effect for us. Moreover, this will increase the cost of the war for Russia. And putting pressure on Russia strengthens our positions for potential negotiations in the future," he said.
Reaction of Russia and Trump
According to a political scientist, US President-elect Donald Trump is unlikely to cancel this authorization for strikes on Russia with ATACMS missiles if they are limited to the Kursk region.
"President Trump will act more cautiously and within the traditions of classic American politics," Fesenko believes.
In his view, Russia could respond, but it would likely look similar to an exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, with announcements and demonstrations of power. Alternatively, Moscow could provide anti-ship missiles to Yemeni Houthis, who are fighting the US-led maritime coalition in the Red Sea.
"God forbid, if soldiers are killed. I wonder how Trump will react, as he really doesn't like such things," Fesenko added.
Authorization to strike Russia
On November 17, Western media reported that the US, UK, and France had given the green light for Ukraine to carry out strikes on Russia using Western missiles.
So far, only EU High Representative Josep Borrell has officially confirmed the US decision. However, US, British, and French officials have declined to comment.
For more details on how this decision could benefit Ukraine, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
