Biden’s ATACMS decision aimed at tying his successor’s hands — expert
In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning"
WASHINGTON, November 20. /TASS/. Outgoing US President Joe Biden is trying "to tie the hands" of his successor Donald Trump by authorizing the use of US missiles for deep strikes on Russia, a leading US military expert has told TASS.
"Biden is attempting to tie the hands of the incoming president, or at least to complicate his being able to halt the war," said Col. (Ret.) Lawrence Wilkerson, the Chief of Staff to US Secretary of State Colin Powell (in 2002-2005).
In his opinion, Russia "should not fall for this gambit," and "just keep on winning <…> on the ground."
He also spoke highly of the efficiency of Russia’s air defense systems against US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, saying that the consequences of such strikes will be merely a "pinprick."
"First, Russia is a very large country — 11 times zones I believe. ATACMS' range is 190 miles (about 300kms). That isn't even a pinprick in terms of range. Second, of the first six fired I hear that five were shot down — an excellent shootdown rate. Russia has better technology than Ukraine/NATO," he said.
Wilkerson served 31 years in the US Army before serving at the State Department. In 1989-1993, he was a special assistant to Powell, when the latter was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-93). In 2002-2005, he served as the Chief of Staff to US Secretary of State.
On November 17, the New York Times reported, citing sources, that US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for deeper strikes inside Russia. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols later confirmed this information. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said some EU countries also authorized the use of their weapons for deeper strikes inside Russia. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov warned afterward that Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine stipulates a potential nuclear strike in response to Ukraine’s use of Western-made conventional missiles against Russia. Earlier, he described the West’s latest decision as a "qualitatively new" round of escalation.