Ukraine Fires US-Made Long-Range Missiles for First Time—What Does This Mean?

Some observers question the timing of the Biden administration’s apparent decision to let Kyiv strike targets inside Russia with long-range missiles.

The proposed 2024 U.S. defense budget includes $80 million for a U.S. Army Tactical Missile System, such as this one being used by the South Korean Army in 2017, to be delivered to Ukraine. South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images

A Ukrainian missile attack on western Russia appears to have confirmed reports of a U.S. decision to allow Kyiv to fire American long-range missiles at targets inside Russian territory.

On Nov. 19, Moscow reported that six ballistic missiles had been fired by Kyiv into Russia’s western Bryansk region.