Biden OKs Ukraine long-range strikes

US missiles can hit targets in Russia

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN , JEREMY ARMSTRONG and DAVE BURKE

PRESIDENT Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to use US long-range missiles to strike targets within Russian territory.

The decision came hours after Russia launched a bombardment against Ukraine that killed at least 10 civilians and targeted critical infrastructure, causing power cuts.

The decision to lift the ban on using the missiles marks a significant escalation in US support for Kyiv, letting President Volodymyr Zelensky use Army Tactical Missile Systems with a range of almost 190 miles.

It is understood the supersonic ballistic weapons will be used to target Russian and North Korean forces in Russia's Kursk region.

Mr Biden's decision comes two months before Donald Trump, who wants to delay military aid and broker a peace deal, returns to the White House. Moscow recently enlisted North Korean despot Kim Jong Un's troops to support its offensive.

US officials indicate one objective of their missile deployment is to deter further North Korean involvement by highlighting the weakness of their forces in Russian territory.