Biden's risky farewell gambit could cost us everything Hungarian FM on ATACMS strikes greenlight for Ukraine

Outgoing US President Joe Biden’s recent decision to allow US weapons strikes from Ukraine deep into Russian territory is setting the stage for a global catastrophe, warned Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations.

Szijjártó expressed his concerns as tensions in the region reached new heights, accusing the Biden administration of making dangerous choices in its final days, Caliber.Az reports citing TASS.

"We are facing the most dangerous two months in decades," Szijjártó emphasized. "In the United States, a president who was removed from power by his own party, whose abilities are questioned by many, and who will leave office in two months, is making decisions that will lead to a global catastrophe." The Hungarian minister highlighted the urgency of addressing these developments, particularly as Europe contemplates what a change in US leadership might bring.

Szijjártó went on to express hope that Donald Trump's return to the presidency could mark a turning point. "With Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, Europe has a huge chance to restore peace on the continent," he stated. However, he cautioned that opposition to peace exists on both sides of the Atlantic. "But there are those who do not want this, and on both sides of the ocean," he added. "The pro-war political elite have made a desperate attempt to turn the war in Ukraine into a world war. Let’s be blunt: allowing American weapons strikes deep into Russian territory creates the danger of a world war. And if that happens, we will lose everything."

Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols confirmed the authorisation by US President Joe Biden to Ukraine of the use of long-range weapons against Russia.

In an interview with a Brazilian newspaper, Nichols said this decision will give Ukraine “more opportunities to defend itself” and, as Washington believes, will push Russia towards negotiations.

According to US media sources, Biden's move was, in part, a strategic response to the deployment of North Korean military personnel in Russia's Kursk region. "One official said the move is partly aimed at deterring Pyongyang from sending more units," reported The Washington Post. "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un should realise that sending the first units was a mistake that will cost it dearly," the official warned.

ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile Systems, are tactical ballistic missiles deployable from HIMARS and similar platforms. These missiles can strike targets up to approximately 305 kilometres (190 miles) away. Until now, Washington had refrained from authorizing their use against Russian territory, citing fears of escalating the conflict.

The Kremlin reacted swiftly to Biden’s decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the development as a "qualitatively new situation" that could dramatically heighten tensions. "If such a decision was indeed formulated and communicated to the Kyiv regime, it is a qualitatively new round of tension and a qualitatively new situation in terms of the involvement of the United States in this conflict," Peskov declared.

President Vladimir Putin had previously voiced strong objections to any strikes deep into Russian territory, linking such actions to direct NATO involvement. "Flight assignments to these missile systems can essentially only be made by servicemen of NATO countries," Putin said in September. "Ukrainian servicemen cannot do this. If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing but direct participation of NATO countries — the United States, European countries — in the war in Ukraine," he added.

Meanwhile, European leaders have shared mixed reactions. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, signalled his support for Ukraine’s expanded use of long-range weapons. "I have said many times that Ukraine should be able to use the weapons we have given it to not only stop arrows but also to hit archers," Borrell stated ahead of a Brussels meeting with EU foreign ministers. He remained hopeful that member states would reach a consensus. "I am sure we will discuss it again. I hope the member states will agree with it," he added.

Polish President Andrzej Duda acknowledged that Biden’s decision could be a turning point in the conflict, while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced her approval. The German government confirmed it had been briefed on the US plans.

By Tamilla Hasanova