Ukraine Fires Long-Range Missiles into Russia—What Does It Mean for the War?

President Biden gave Ukraine permission to fire long-range missiles into Russia, and now Ukraine has fired them into Russia for the first time, 1,000 days into the war. 

For Context: Russia's nuclear doctrine has been updated with language proposed in September saying an attack on Russia by a non-nuclear state that is backed by a nuclear state will be considered a joint assault on Russia. 

Fears of Retaliation: Some voices on the right and left point to the missiles as an escalation and fear Russian President Putin's retaliation, while remaining hopeful Ukraine can prevail. However, Noah Rothman (Lean Right bias) argues in the National Review (Right bias) that the West shouldn't take Putin's red lines seriously. Whether Biden's decision is viewed as welcome or unwelcome falls somewhat along partisan lines, with outlets on the right being more critical of the decision. 

The Weapons Are Too Late: Others say the missiles have come too late to make a significant difference in the war, given that Biden has been considering the issue for months, giving Putin time to prepare in the case he did approve the missiles.

The Trump Effect: Some analyzed the situation this puts President-elect Trump in once he enters office. Trump has said he would eliminate funding for Ukraine and seek to end the war, and he has taken calls with Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. A writer for Responsible Statecraft (Center bias) posits Biden's change as a way to handcuff Trump's plan.