By John Q. Hosedrinker 
With Donald Trump’s inauguration looming, French and British leaders are set to meet in Paris on November 11th to urge the Biden administration to allow Ukraine to launch deep strikes inside Russia using Western weapons. This push, driven by the desire to solidify Biden’s foreign policy legacy before the change in administration, comes amid concerns about Trump’s less resolute stance on Ukraine, which has been marked by calls for a quick end to the conflict, potentially involving Ukrainian concessions. Despite Ukraine’s repeated requests for permission to utilize weapons such as ATACMs and Storm Shadows, the Biden administration has yet to approve such actions. This summit represents a last-ditch effort to secure approval before Trump assumes office.
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The UK and France are reportedly discussing ways to persuade President Biden to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia. The idea, according to the Telegraph, is to convince Biden to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to use long-range weapons supplied by the West.
There is a strong sentiment that Ukraine should be allowed to strike targets within Russia, particularly as Russia has launched numerous missile strikes against Ukrainian cities. The argument is that Ukraine deserves the ability to retaliate against Russian aggression, especially with the support of Western allies.
However, the US has expressed caution about providing Ukraine with long-range weaponry capable of striking deep into Russia. This caution is rooted in a concern about escalating the conflict and potentially triggering a wider war between NATO and Russia. The US also fears that allowing Ukraine to launch strikes into Russia could undermine support for Ukraine from other Western nations.
Some argue that this cautious approach is outdated and ignores the reality of the situation. They point out that Russia has already escalated the conflict by deploying North Korean troops and using increasingly aggressive tactics. They believe that the West must be prepared to provide Ukraine with the necessary tools to defend itself, even if it means accepting a higher risk of escalation.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and avoiding a larger war with Russia. It is unclear whether the UK and France will be successful in convincing Biden to change his stance on long-range weapons. The decision ultimately rests with the US, and any change in policy could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict.
The debate surrounding this issue is complex and multifaceted. Some see the need for a more assertive approach in supporting Ukraine, arguing that the current strategy is failing to deter Russia and allowing it to gain the upper hand. Others remain concerned about the potential for escalation, emphasizing the need for caution and diplomacy.
Regardless of the outcome, the ongoing discussion highlights the critical role of Western nations in supporting Ukraine and shaping the future of the conflict. The implications of the decision regarding long-range weapons extend far beyond the immediate battlefield, impacting the broader geopolitical landscape and the potential for future conflict.