What does Beden's decision to let Ukraine strike Russia with long-range missiles mean?

However, this decision is expected to bring new frustration and threats from Moscow at a time of increased uncertainty, while Donald Trump prepares to assume the US presidency.

According to Sky News, Vladimir Putin has warned that if Western powers were to allow the use of their ballistic missiles against Russia, it would be like <x0-2-5x1> fire, even risking global conflict.

US and British officials in the past have avoided being influenced by Moscow's aggressive rhetoric, which mainly targets intimidation. However, so far there has been hesitation, mainly from Washington, to allow Kiev to use long-range missiles known as the Army Tactic Missile Systems, or ATACMS, to hit outside its borders.

The change of plan comes because of North Korea's decision to send thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russia. According to the New York Times, US missile targets on Russian soil are likely to be Russian and North Korean troops fighting in the Kursk region.

However, as Sky News points out, although the use of American missiles for impacts on Russian territory signals a strengthening Western support, analysts estimate that only this movement will not dramatically change the flow of war. However, this will enable Ukraine to strike down critical military targets that Moscow deliberately placed off front lines, such as missile depots and fears used against Kiev.

Beyond the military aspect, as Sky News points out, the US decision sends a strong political message to the Kremlin: That Washington is determined to reject Russian warnings of serious consequences and support Kiev.

The move comes after months of intense pressure from Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to boost military support. The critical question now is how Vladimir Putin will react when an American missile kills Russian soldiers in his country.

Moscow does not want a direct conflict with the United States and NATO, with greater military and nuclear powers. However, the Kremlin could further escalate its sabotage campaign and other forms of hybrid warfare throughout Europe.

A second important question concerns the position Donald Trump will take, which has pledged to end the war soon. Despite his unclear strategy, the republic has voiced strong opposition to Ukraine's continued supply of American weapons. Perhaps this will motivate Kiev to gain its current support from Washington as soon as possible.