Janice R. Andrews
US President-elect Donald Trump has criticized President Joe Biden for permitting Ukrainian forces to use American long-range missiles to strike deeper into Russian territory. Trump called the decision, made last month, “stupid” and suggested he might reverse it once he takes office on January 20.
Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday, Trump expressed frustration that the Biden administration did not consult his incoming team on the matter. “Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I wouldn’t have had him do that. I think it was a big mistake,” Trump stated.
Biden’s decision to loosen restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) allows Kyiv to target Russian positions far beyond the border. This shift was seen as crucial to bolstering Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.
Trump Hints at Reversal
Trump suggested that he might reverse Biden’s policy after taking office. “I might reverse it. I think it was a very stupid thing to do,” he remarked, adding that the decision should have been postponed until after his inauguration.
The White House defended the move, with national security spokesperson John Kirby emphasizing that the decision followed extensive deliberations. “This was not a hasty choice. It was well thought out, and we’ve communicated the reasoning behind it in discussions, including after the election,” Kirby said.
Strategic Context of Biden’s Decision
Biden’s decision came amid rising concerns over Russia’s use of advanced ballistic missiles and the deployment of North Korean troops to recapture territories lost to Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. These developments underscored the urgency of providing Ukraine with more advanced weaponry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also warned NATO countries that strikes could target those supporting Ukraine’s missile operations inside Russia.
Trump’s Past Ties to Russia
Trump’s past relationship with Putin has been a subject of scrutiny, especially during the 2016 presidential campaign when Trump called on Russia to locate Hillary Clinton’s missing emails. He has often praised Putin, describing him as “pretty smart” for his actions in Ukraine. Despite this, Trump reiterated his preference for direct negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin to end the war.
“I think the Middle East is going to be in a good place,” Trump said, referring to global conflicts. “I think actually more difficult is going to be the Russia-Ukraine situation,” he added.
Trump refused to confirm if he had spoken to Putin since the election.
Biden’s Military Aid to Ukraine
In the final weeks of his presidency, Biden has ramped up military assistance to Ukraine, including loosening the restrictions on weapons use. This move followed pressure from Zelenskyy and international allies, who argued that the previous restrictions were hindering Ukraine’s defense against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
Zelenskyy, who recently met with Trump in Paris, continues to push for sustained Western military support. The Ukrainian president believes that advanced weaponry is vital for countering Russia’s advances and safeguarding Ukrainian sovereignty.
Potential Shift in US Support for Ukraine
Trump’s criticism has raised concerns among allies about the future of US support for Ukraine under his potential presidency. His call for negotiations suggests a preference for diplomacy, though he acknowledged the difficulty in reaching a resolution.
As the war enters its third year, both Ukraine and Russia are vying for military advantages ahead of any potential peace talks. Biden’s decision to loosen weapon restrictions was a calculated attempt to strengthen Ukraine’s position while facing criticism for the possible long-term risks.
Conclusion
Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range US missiles highlights the complex balance between providing military support and managing geopolitical risks. Trump’s comments reflect the political divisions over how to approach the conflict, leaving many uncertain about the future of US foreign policy towards Ukraine.
As the situation evolves, the outcome of the war and the international response will continue to shape the region’s stability.
