Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Don Jr. are among the many Donald Trump allies accusing President Biden of trying to trigger a Third World War with his decision to allow Ukraine to employ American long-range missiles in Russia. "On his way out of office, Joe Biden is dangerously trying to start WWIII by authorizing Ukraine the use of U.S. long range missiles into Russia," warned Greene, a Georgia Republican, on X. Trump's son Don Jr. agreed adding, "The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives. Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!!" Several other Republican voices, including Rep. Andy Biggs and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk also echoed those statements. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that Ukraine's use of American long-range missiles would represent "direct participation" by the U.S. in the war.

Follow Newsweek's live blog.

05:43 PM EST

Ukraine shares footage of 'successful attack' on Russian forces using U.S. equipment

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry shared footage of a "successful attack" on occupying forces using American-made equipment.

"A successful attack on the enemy positions performed by the warriors from the 37th Marine Brigade," the ministry said in a post on X.

"They used US-made Oshkosh M-ATV to destroy occupiers in the dugout."

The Oshkosh M-ATV, developed by the US-based Oshkosh Corporation, is an ATV with mine-resistant ambush protection.

05:35 PM EST

UN human rights chief condemns Russian strikes on power networks

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned Russia for causing blackouts and power outages in Ukraine.

In a post on X, the UN Human Rights Commission said Türk, "condemns wave of #Russia strikes on #Ukraine power network that inflicts further misery on civilians.

"Russia must immediately cease its armed attack & withdraw all of its military forces from Ukraine."

05:23 PM EST

Ukraine claims Russia suffered highest losses last week

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry claimed Monday that Russia suffered its highest number of weekly losses since the war began.

The ministry reported 11,370 losses last week, "the highest weekly number since the invasion began."

"We make the occupiers pay the highest price for their terror," the ministry said in a statement on X.

On Monday, the Pentagon's Deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said they "feel comfortable" estimating about 1,200 Russian casualties per day.

However, UK Defense Ministry said today, citing Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces, said that Russia had suffered just under 1,500 casualties daily in the first 12 days of this month, compared at the 1,354 casualties daily in October.

05:06 PM EST

North Korea could send 100,000 soldiers to fight for Russia

North Korea could send 100,000 soldiers to fight for Russia on the frontline with Ukrainian frontline, according to assessments by a group of 20 nations.

Sources familiar with the analysis told Bloomberg that the deployment was unlikely to be soon, but was expected if the alliance between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un got stronger.

The 100,000 troops would not deploy all at once but would work in rotating batches, the source said.

Another source to the Russian defense ministry that the 100,000 figure was a sign Putin expected a lengthy war.

04:45 PM EST

U.S. will announce additional security assistance for Ukraine within days, says UN ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said Monday that the U.S. was set to announce additional security measures for Ukraine.

Thomas-Greenfield made the announcement today after President Biden allowed the use of American-made long range missiles against Russia.

It also comes as the United Nations marks 1,000 days since the Russian invasion.

Thomas-Greenfield said supporting Ukraine was "above petty politics" and should be supported by both sides of the aisle.

04:27 PM EST

Watchdog finds evidence of banned chemical used on Ukraine frontlines

A watchdog has found evidence of a banned riot gas in Ukrainian soil in a zone where Ukrainians were fighting with Russian forces.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons assessed samples from the frontline village of Illinka in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Its report found evidence of CS riot gas, also known as tear has, a chemical which is banned for use in warfare under the Geneva Protocol.

It is the first time the use of a riot control gas has been confirmed in areas where active fighting is taking place in Ukraine, the OPCW said.

04:13 PM EST

White House 'blocking U.K. weapons being deployed against Russia, despite ATACMS decision'

The White House is still blocking Ukraine from using British-made weapons against Russia, despite allowing American ATACMS to be used in strikes, sources claim.

The UK longer range weapons need U.S. guidance systems but have not been approved to use in Russia, according to The Sun's Harry Cole.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly been lobbying Biden for months to allow the Ukrainians use of the weapons but sources say that as of Monday, they still haven't been lifted.

04:02 PM EST

Michael Waltz: Biden decision is 'another step up the escalation ladder'

President-elect Donald Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said that President Joe Biden's decision to authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-issued weapons is "another step up the escalation ladder."

"Nobody knows where this is going. North Korea is unleashing ballistic missiles, artillery, and now tens of thousands of soldiers," said Waltz in an interview with Fox News.

03:54 PM EST

Ben Wallace says Chancellor of Germany's call with Putin was 'ineffective'

Former defense secretary Ben Wallace has weighed in on Olaf Scholz's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Scholz's phone call to the Kremlin was so ineffective that within a few hours Putin launched a massive illegal attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure," he wrote in the first part of his tweet. "In one move he undermined the unified western position, showed weakness and emboldened Russia."

03:45 PM EST

Will Biden's decision change the course of the war?

President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for strikes within Russian territory, signaling a significant policy shift in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

The decision, announced over the weekend, follows months of lobbying by Ukrainian officials and comes amid escalating offensives by Russian forces bolstered by North Korean troops. The long-range missiles are expected to enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-controlled areas, targeting vital supply lines and ammunition depots.

The effect depends on the rules set for the weapons' use.

If strikes are allowed throughout Russia, they could significantly complicate Moscow's ability to respond to battlefield demands.

If strikes are limited to the Kursk region, Russia could relocate its command centers and air units to nearby regions, blunting the effect of those logistical challenges. That would also mean many of the valuable targets Ukrainian officials have expressed a desire to hit may still be beyond reach.

The Kremlin warned Monday that Biden's decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russia with U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles adds "fuel to the fire" of the war and would escalate international tensions even higher.

Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

03:36 PM EST

Russian commanders arrested over exaggerating battlefield gains: reports

Russian commanders have been removed from their positions for lying to their superiors about advances made on the battlefield, it has been reported.

Pro-Moscow military bloggers have reacted angrily to officers within Russia's Third Combined Arms Army making inaccurate reports about gains near the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

While Russian state media's description of the war started by Vladimir Putin is tightly controlled by the government, pro-war mil bloggers on Telegram give a far less varnished view of how Moscow is conducting the war, often revealing shortcomings regarding tactics and command.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian defense ministry for comment by email.

Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.

03:30 PM EST

Over 11,000 North Korean forces involved with Russia

There are currently more than 11,000 North Korean forces involved in Russian military operations against Ukraine in the Russian Kursk area, up from more than 10,000 last week.

In response to a question about Russia's accusation that the U.S. is escalating the war by allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike within Russia, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that "when you look at escalation of this conflict, it has been Russia that has escalated the conflict time and time again," citing the increase in North Korean soldiers.

03:10 PM EST

Poland president says U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use American-made weapons was 'necessary'

Poland President Andrzej Duda warned Monday that the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use American-made weapons to conduct an offensive deep into Russia might be a watershed moment in the conflict.

"This decision was very necessary ... Russia sees that Ukraine enjoys strong support and that the West's position is unyielding and determined. It's a very important, potentially decisive moment in this war," Duda said.

03:04 PM EST

Poland Prime Minister: 'No-one will stop Putin with phone calls'

Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk said "No-one will stop Putin with phone calls" in a tweet, in reference to Russia's latest attack against Ukraine.

02:56 PM EST

Second undersea cable in Baltic Sea damaged

The Swedish telecommunications firm Telia has reported that another undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, which links Sweden and Lithuania, sustained damage on Sunday.

This comes after the C-Lion1 Submarine Communication Cable connecting Finland and Germany was cut.

02:49 PM EST

International relations expert warns long-distance missiles not a game changer for Ukraine

Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. long range missiles against Russia may have escalated tensions with Putin, but it's unlikely to have a big effect on the war, an expert told Barrons.

Stephen Biddle, an international relations professor at New York's Columbia University, said the U.S. had only delivered a small number of the ATACAMS missiles to Kiev, although exact figures are not available.

And that Russian forces had already moved most of the critical resources out of range "long ago."

"I don't think it's going to be decisive for the direction of the war" that Ukraine is finally granted permission to use them against Russia, he added.

02:41 PM EST

Conservative commentator claims Biden administration is 'trying to start WW3 on their way out'

Conservative commentator Matt Walsh has warned that President Biden is attempting to start a war with his move on missiles in Ukraine.

"The Biden regime is trying to start WW3 on their way out the door," he said on X.

"They will happily kill 100 million people if that's what it takes to sabotage Trump. These people are evil to their core. Absolute human garbage."

02:38 PM EST

British Prime Minister says he has no intentions to engage with Putin

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday that he has no plans to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin at this week's G20 conference, pledging support for Ukraine as the U.K.'s main priority.

Speaking to reporters on the route to the summit in Brazil, Starmer stated that he would not talk with Putin like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did on Friday.

The call between the two leaders, which the Kremlin said was initiated by Germany, was Putin's first publicly disclosed talk with a major Western leader in over two years.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President, opposed the call, claiming that it would simply make Russia less isolated.

02:35 PM EST

'We're ramping up missile production': Defense Minister Rustem Umerov

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov says that Ukraine has increased manufacturing of R-360 Neptune cruise missiles, which are now capable of longer-range attacks.

"We're ramping up missile production," Umerov said. "This year, the first 100 missiles have already been produced."

02:31 PM EST

Starmer seeks stronger UK-China ties in landmark meeting with Xi

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a "strong and durable" relationship with China during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil on Monday.

It marks the first meeting between leaders of the two nations in six years.

Disagreements over security, human rights and Beijing's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine have strained relations between the two since former Prime Minister Theresa May's mid-Brexit Beijing visit in 2018.

Starmer, who assumed office in July following a landslide victory for his Labour Party, spoke of the need for consistency and respect in bilateral relations.

"We want our relations to be consistent, durable, respectful, as we have agreed, and avoid surprises where possible," Starmer told Xi during their meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Read the full story by Shannon McDonagh on Newsweek.

02:28 PM EST

U.K. Defense Secretary: 'We must double down on the support for Ukraine'

U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey has announced that he will meet with the U.S. and Ukrainian defense secretaries this evening.

He rejected to support the U.K.'s position on the U.S. allowing Ukraine to utilize its long-range missiles to hit Russian territory, saying the House of Commons that doing so would "compromise operations and security."

"We must double down on the support for Ukraine, give Ukraine the support it needs, and do so for as long as it takes," he said.

02:17 PM EST

Russia-U.S. tensions likely to get better under Trump as Putin seeks an 'off-ramp'

Foreign policy expert Dan Byman, a senior fellow at California School Information Services (CSIS), said that tensions between the U.S. and Russia are likely to ease under Donald Trump.

Byman said Monday that Vladimir Putin may be seeking an "off-ramp" from escalating tensions after President Biden authorized Ukraine to use long-distance missiles against Russia.

"The relationship may actually get better" under Trump's administration, Byman told Fox Now.

He said that Putin was likely looking for a "off-ramp" from the escalating war, but one that would grant him significant territory concessions - something he was more likely to receive under a Trump administration.

02:15 PM EST

Britain and France granted Ukraine permission to hit Russian Federation

According to a high-ranking source in military and political circles, Britain and France have given Ukraine permission to launch Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles at Russian territory in the Kursk area.

02:08 PM EST

China responds to alleged evidence of attack drone supply to Russia

China has refuted reports it has been supplying Russia with attack drones as European Union foreign ministers met Monday to discuss the alleged evidence.

"China handles the export of military products prudently and responsibly," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters at a Monday press conference. "We have never provided lethal weapons to any party of the conflict and strictly control the export of military and dual-use drones in accordance with laws and regulations.

Beijing has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in regard to the Russia-Ukraine war and has called for de-escalation of the conflict. However, the EU and U.S. say Chinese companies have been shipping Russia dual-use goods, including components used in weaponry fueling Moscow's war efforts, and have sanctioned a number of Chinese companies for supplying them.

Until recently, the accusations stopped short of alleging direct provision of lethal aid. However, in July Bloomberg cited Western officials who said Russian and Chinese companies had discussed collaborating on a drone to mass-produce for use by Russia.

Read the full story by Micah McCartney on Newsweek.

01:57 PM EST

Hungarian Foreign Minister criticizes Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. weapons

On Monday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, a vocal opponent of Ukraine with close links to Putin's regime, said Biden's decision contradicted the will of people who elected Donald Trump to the presidency earlier this month.

Szijjártó further lambasted European Union officials for continuing to back Kyiv.

"One has the feeling that the pro-war political elites on both sides of the ocean are launching one last desperate, scalding attack on the new realities and the will of the people," Szijjártó said.

01:46 PM EST

Biden trying to 'tie Trump's hands' on Ukraine but it could backfire, says Trump backer

Trump backer and tech entrepreneur David Sacks has claimed that Biden is trying to tie the president-elect's hands with his move on Ukraine missiles - but warned that it could backfire.

"By authorizing missile strikes deep inside Russia in his last 2 months, Biden is trying to tie Trump's hands on Ukraine," said Sacks, who once raised $12 million for Trump through a single dinner.

"But this decision is so reckless that it may have the opposite effect," he continued on X.

"It proves Trump was 100% right to warn about the risk of WWIII throughout his campaign."

01:38 PM EST

South Korea won't 'sit idle' over North Korean troops in Russia: Ambassador

The South Korean government "will never sit idle," Seoul's ambassador to London has said, as the U.S. ally worries that North Korean troops deployed alongside Russian forces against Ukraine could accrue valuable combat experience far from the Korean Peninsula.

Seoul will "keep a close eye" on North Korea's entanglement in Russia's war effort against Ukraine, and will "take active measures in stages based on levels in military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang," Yoon Yeocheol, South Korea's representative to the U.K., told Newsweek.

U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean intelligence has indicated between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean fighters, including soldiers from Pyongyang's elite forces, had arrived in Russia's Kursk region in recent weeks. Estimates from Kyiv put the number at roughly 15,000.

Pyongyang could send up to 100,000 soldiers to Russia through several deployments, Bloomberg reported on Sunday.

Read the full story by Ellie Cook on Newsweek.

01:34 PM EST

Russia says authorization of missiles to Ukraine is 'direct participation' of U.S. in war

According to Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Ukraine's employment of long-range missiles to attack targets within Russia would represent "direct participation" by the U.S. in the war.

"Kyiv's use of long-range missiles for attacks on our territory will mean the direct participation of the United States and its satellites in hostilities against Russia, as well as a radical change in the essence and nature of the conflict," Zakharova said, per state media TASS. "Russia's response will be adequate and tangible in this case."

01:24 PM EST

Republican congressman claims Biden is trying to 'catapult us into WWIII'

Rep. Andy Biggs claimed Monday that President Biden is trying to start World War Three after he authorized Ukraine to strike Russian territory with long distance U.S. missiles.

"Biden will do everything he can to catapult us into WWIII before President Trump takes office and ends the DC Cartel's Forever War," said Arizona representative Biggs on X.

"The Left wants chaos. President Trump will be the president of peace."

01:09 PM EST

Pentagon refuses to confirm if it authorized long-range missiles against Russia

The Pentagon said it "cannot confirm" reports that the U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use its long-range missiles against Russia.

"I cannot confirm the reports," deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told The Telegraph, Monday. "I cannot go into more details about the reporting."

Ukraine has urged the U.S. for months to authorize the use of U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for strikes within Russian territory, but the White House had resisted doing so over fears of escalation. But on Sunday, it was widely reported that Joe Biden authorized the use of missiles, signaling a significant policy shift in U.S. military support for Kyiv.

While she would not confirm the reports, Singh told the Telegraph that the ATACMS systems were in limited supply in Ukraine.

She added that Russia had already started shifting key strategical targets, such as airfields, out of range of the missiles.

12:58 PM EST

Could Biden's Ukraine missile move trigger WWIII?

A recent shift in U.S. policy has sparked intense debate, as President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to deploy American long-range missiles, including the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), against targets inside Russia.

Finalized on November 17, 2024, this decision overturns prior restrictions that had limited Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied weapons exclusively within its own territory, which could mark a significant development in U.S. involvement in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

The decision to approve Ukraine's use of ATACMS against targets inside Russia came after Moscow stationed nearly 50,000 troops in the southern region of Kursk. This area, the site of a major Ukrainian counteroffensive during the summer, is now a focal point for Russia's efforts to reclaim lost ground.

Adding to the tension, thousands of North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces in Kursk, raising concerns in Washington.

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that allowing Ukraine to fire U.S. missiles into Russian territory would signify direct involvement in the conflict by the United States, thereby escalating the war.

Read in full from Carine Harb on Newsweek.

12:51 PM EST

Zelensky warns only way to stop Russia is to eliminate it's ability to launch attacks

Volodymyr Zelensky said today that the only way to stop Russia's invasion is to eliminate it's ability to launch attacks.

The Ukrainian president was visiting soldiers on the frontlines in the towns of Kupiansk and Pokrovsk today after a Russian strike on Odessa killed at least ten.

"The only way to truly stop this terror is to eliminate Russia's ability to launch attacks. And this is absolutely realistic," he said on X.

Today, Russia struck Odesa with a missile—deliberately targeting a residential area. As a result of this barbaric act, innocent lives were lost, and many people were injured—lives that could have been saved if we had the capability to destroy Russian launch systems, supply chains, arsenals, and war factories at their source.

"It is not just defense; it is justice—the right way to protect our people.

"Any nation under the attack would act this way to defend its citizens. We must do the same, together with our partners. Russia must be left with no capacity for terror. The time to act is now."

12:31 PM EST

Huckabee hopes Biden will 'back off' Ukraine for 'consistency and continuity' between administrations

Mike Huckabee said he has "great concerns" about President Biden's decision on Ukraine's long-range missiles as he urged for "consistency and continuity" between Biden's term and the incoming Trump administration.

"I do have great concerns that something might be done, either here or at the UN

that makes it more difficult for President Trump to get going on his agenda," Trump's nomination for U.S. Ambassador to Israel said on Fox News on Monday.

"I'm hoping that maybe [Biden will] back off," he added. "If he does anything, he should find out what the Trump administration will be doing, and try to make sure that he helps accommodate that.

"That's what we would have in, what I would call a peaceful and smooth transition.

"We don't need to have a major policy shift right now, about a month and a half before President Trump is sworn in. And then to turn around and have a different policy shift as soon as the inauguration is over.

"There needs to be some consistency and continuity."

12:26 PM EST

Germany to give Ukraine new Mini-Taurus AI drones

The German firm Helsing will provide Ukraine with 4,000 artificial intelligence drones, per Nexta TV. These drones, dubbed Mini-Taurus, will be outfitted with cutting-edge technology that makes them almost immune to Russian electronic warfare systems and GPS interference.

12:20 PM EST

Satellite photos show Russia ramping up missile production

Satellite photos show Russia is expanding its solid-propellant motor production facilities, which will in turn strengthen its missile production abilities, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

As the war in Ukraine wages on, Russia is increasing its weapon production, specifically solid-propellant rocket motor-production capacity, at five sites associated with the production of solid propellants.

Satellite photos from Maxar Technologies in the IISS's report not only show the technology in development but also the "possible refurbishment of dormant Soviet-era facilities and the construction of new infrastructure."

Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Defense for the Russian Federation for comment via email outside of business hours.

Read the full story by Maya Mehrara on Newsweek.

12:18 PM EST

Huckabee slams Biden for 'major policy shifts' on Ukraine with just two months left in office

Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump's nomination for U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has criticized President Biden for making "major policy shifts" on Ukraine with less than two months left in office.

The former Arkansas governor suggested on Fox News on Monday, that Biden's decision to enable Ukraine to employ American long-range missiles in Russia, could "hamstring" the incoming administration.

"It's a little unusual that a president in his lame duck says of ending his reign as president, would make major policy shifts," he said.

"Why would he do this? Is it to somehow hamstring, or make it difficult for the Trump administration? I don't know but it but it's not a good look, and it's not a good act on his part."

12:13 PM EST

What Biden is enabling Ukraine to do

The U.S. will authorize Ukraine to employ American-supplied longer-range weaponry to execute strikes inside Russian territory, fulfilling a long-standing request from Kyiv.

It was unclear whether Ukraine's deployment of the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, would be limited, as has been the case with other US missile systems. Their deployment may initially be confined to Russia's Kursk area, where Ukrainian soldiers took territory earlier this year.

It might also act as a deterring force in future cease-fire discussions.

The U.S. has long opposed the plan, with President Joe Biden determined to prevent any escalation that he saw as bringing the US and other NATO members into direct war with nuclear-armed Russia. The Kremlin cautioned on Monday that the decision adds "fuel to the fire."

The decision comes in the last days of Joe Biden's administration, just before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, who has promised to bring the conflict to a conclusion quickly, which many worry may compel unpalatable concessions from Kyiv.

11:59 AM EST

Slovakia prime minister against Biden's decision

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is vehemently rejecting Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to deploy long-range U.S.-supplied weaponry in attacks against Russia.

"This is an unprecedented escalation of tensions, a decision that thwarts hopes for the start of any peace talks and an end to the mutual killing of Slavs in Ukraine," he said in a statement.

11:56 AM EST

Zelensky says the 'missiles will speak for themselves' after restrictions lifted on long-rang missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the "missiles will speak for themselves," after President Biden ruled he could employ American long-range missiles in Russia.

"Today, there's a lot of talk in the media about us receiving permission for respective actions," Zelensky said after the decision, during his daily address.

"But strikes are not carried out with words. Such things are not announced. Missiles will speak for themselves," Zelensky said. "They certainly will."

The Ukrainian president gave his comments after posting a condolence message to the eight people killed in a massive Russian drone strike in the northern city of Sumy.

"This is the answer to all those who wanted to achieve something with Putin through conversations, phone calls, hugs – appeasement," he warned.

"His language is treachery."

11:46 AM EST

The cost of ATACMS: a pricey but strategic tool

Deploying ATACMS comes at a steep cost. Each missile is priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, depending on the variant. This hefty price tag reflects the complexity and precision of the system, which combines advanced guidance technology with substantial payload capacity.

"Providing ATACMS is a costly but necessary step to ensure Ukraine can effectively counter Russian aggression," said George Barros, a defense analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. "These missiles are not just weapons; they're a strategic investment in Ukraine's survival."

Instead of Western weapons, Ukraine has been regularly striking Russia with domestically produced weapons, with some capable of traveling up to 620 miles. However, it lacks sufficient quantities to do serious long-term damage.

Given their high cost, Ukraine is expected to deploy ATACMS sparingly, focusing on operations targeting high-value objectives. This approach aligns with U.S. guidelines aimed at preventing escalation while maximizing the system's impact on the battlefield.

Read the full story by Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.

11:35 AM EST

Republican political activist accuses Biden of 'trying to start World War 3'

Conservative political activist and author Charlie Kirk accused President Joe Biden of "trying to start World War 3." This comes after Biden's decision to authorize Ukraine's use of U.S.-issued long-range weapons.

11:27 AM EST

Putin faces potential coup on Russia's doorstep

Russian president Vladimir Putin is facing a potential coup in Abkhazia, a breakaway part of Georgia, whose Russia-sanctioned government has been hit by mass protests.

Protesters, who seized parliament buildings and attempted to occupy the state's TV studios, are demanding the entire government resigns, following the government's decision to consider a new investment agreement with Moscow, according to BBC news.

The demonstrators are refusing to leave parliament buildings in the capital, Sukhumi, until their demands are met, after occupying them last week. Their bid to seize the Abkhaz State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (AGTRK), on November 18, failed after shots were fired, according to the German news outlet Deutsche Welle.

Abkhazia, a breakaway republic that declared independence from Georgia in 1993, hosts Russian military bases and troops, and has been effectively under Russian control since the Georgia war in 2008, and the current leader is President Aslan Bzhania.

Read in full from Maya Mehrara on Newsweek.

11:25 AM EST

Deputy security adviser hits back at Russia's 'fuel on the fire' claims

Deputy National Security adviser Jonathan Finer hit back at the Kremlin's claims that the U.S. was adding "fuel to the fire," as he said Russia was the one upping the ante of war.

The Kremlin on Monday criticized President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to hit targets within Russia with U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles, claiming it will raise international tensions even more.

But Finer told Fox News that Russia became the aggressor when it invaded its neighbor.

"Russia waging a war of aggression across a sovereign border, into Ukraine, and continuing to do so... so I, I would put the question back to Russia about who's actually putting fuel on the fire here," he said.

Finer added that the U.S. was prepared to match Russia "up[ping] the ante" to help Ukraine win the war.

"Ukraine is going to need additional support going forward if it's going to stay in the fight... they're in a very difficult, extremely difficult situation with Russia in egregious ways continuing to escalate this conflict," he said.

"That is part and parcel of what we have seen throughout this conflict, which is Russia's willingness to continue to up the ante.

"And we have, and will continue to, up the ante and when necessary for Ukraine to continue to succeed and ultimately prevail."

11:20 AM EST

Zelensky shares video of aftermath of Russian strike on Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shared a video of the aftermath following "one of the largest Russian strikes on Ukraine."

"This evening, a Russian missile hit a nine-story residential building," he wrote on X. There are confirmed fatalities, including children. Many people are wounded. Emergency services are on the scene, doing everything to save lives. But what is still missing—and desperately needed—is the principled reaction of the world to this evil."

10:55 AM EST

Biden's Russia strikes pivot could be a 'gift' to Donald Trump: Ex-general

President Joe Biden's reported decision to let Kyiv use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia could help the Trump administration tackle the conflict, a former commanding general of the United States Army Europe has said.

The New York Times recently reported that Biden has dropped the prohibition of weapons such as ATACMS to strike inside Russia, a decision shaped in part by North Korea's deployment of troops to fight alongside Russia against Ukraine's forces in the Kursk region. The U.S. has not confirmed the report.

The Kremlin said on Monday that such a move would lead to a rise in tensions and increase Washington's involvement in the war, which Moscow has frequently portrayed as a proxy conflict with the West.

Retired U.S. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges told Newsweek that such a decision by Biden would be "a gift to Trump, who can hopefully leave the policy in place as a starting point of leverage depending on what he intends to do."

President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the U.S.'s continued military aid to Kyiv and has insisted he could end the fighting with a deal. Russian state media cited an unnamed source in the incoming Trump administration as saying Biden's decision could be "revised." Newsweek has contacted Trump's team and the White House for comment by email.

Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.

10:49 AM EST

Richard Grenell accuses Biden of 'escalating the wars before he leaves office'

Richard Genell, President-elect Donald Trump's former director of national intelligence, criticized President Joe Biden for "escalating the wars before he leaves office" in separate posts on X following the president's decision to authorize Ukraine's use of U.S. long-range missiles.

10:41 AM EST

Germany unmoving on decision to not send long-range weapons to Ukraine

Germany is continuing to adhere to its decision not to give Ukraine with long-range weapons, a government spokesperson said Monday.

"The chancellor's decision is unchanged," they said in Berlin.

10:33 AM EST

Trump may 'revise' decision to greenlight strikes on Russia: Kremlin media

Donald Trump may "revise" the reported decision by President Joe Biden to allow Ukraine to use American weapons to strike deep inside Russia, according to Kremlin-backed media.

The New York Times reported that Biden had dropped the prohibition on U.S.-supplied weapons such as ATACMS that had been in place for fear of escalating the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

The long-range weapons could be used to fight Vladimir Putin's forces in Russia's Kursk region, where Kyiv staged an incursion in August, the paper said.

As of Monday morning the White House, which Newsweek has contacted for comment, had not confirmed the report but Russian state news agency Tass suggested the consequences of Biden's alleged decision could be short-lived.

Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.

10:22 AM EST

Submarine fiber cable between Finland and Germany has been cut, cause unknown

The C-Lion1 undersea cable that connects Finland and Germany was broken.

Cinia, a Finnish cybersecurity business, believes the cause might be external pressures such as anchoring or trawling, but voluntary disengagement is also an option. Repair work has begun, but the cause remains unknown.

10:11 AM EST

Russian officials mull evacuating families as Biden OKs long-range strikes

Authorities in Russian regions bordering Ukraine are considering evacuating residents over the threat posed by long-range weapons, which the U.S. has reportedly given Kyiv permission to use.

U.S. President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use the Washington-provided Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, to strike inside Russian territory, The New York Times and The Washington Post reported, although the White House has not made an announcement. Newsweek has contacted the White House by email for comment.

Unnamed U.S. officials said the permission for Ukraine's forces to use the weapons in limited strikes would not fundamentally change the course of the war. Still, the move delivers a boost for Kyiv, especially as France and the U.K. are set to allow Ukraine to use SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles, the French newspaper Le Figaro reported.

An unnamed official from Russia's Voronezh region expressed panic at the prospect of Ukrainian missile strikes, telling the independent outlet Verstka, "We need to pack our things and take our relatives somewhere far away."

Read the full story by Brendan Cole on Newsweek.

10:05 AM EST

Moscow cautions the U.S. against enabling Ukraine to strike Russian land with longer-range weapons

The Kremlin said Monday that President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to hit targets within Russia with U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles adds "fuel to the fire" of the war and will raise international tensions even more.

Biden's policy move brought an unclear, new aspect to the war as it approached the 1,000-day mark since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

It also occurred as a Russian ballistic missile carrying cluster bombs targeted a residential neighborhood of Sumy in northern Ukraine, killing 11 people, including two children, and injuring 84 others. Another rocket barrage started apartment fires in Odesa, Ukraine's southern port, killing at least 10 people and injuring 43 others, including a toddler, according to the interior ministry.

Washington is easing restrictions on what Ukraine can strike with its American-made Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMs, according to US officials, after months of ruling out such a move due to concerns about escalating the conflict and provoking a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

The Kremlin issued a sharp rebuke, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters, "It is obvious that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps and they have been talking about this, to continue adding fuel to the fire and provoking further escalation of tensions around this conflict."

09:49 AM EST

Is missile move a game changer?

The U.S.-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), said in late August that "hundreds" of Russian military targets across the border were in reach of Ukrainian-operated ATACMS.

But some analysts are underwhelmed. Defense Priorities, a U.S. foreign think tank that advocates broadly against American military involvement overseas, said the Biden administration's decision was "strategically unwise and operationally unnecessary."

"The move will not meaningfully improve Ukraine's military position, but it will intensify U.S. and NATO entanglement in the conflict and worsen the risk of Russian escalation—including possible retaliation on U.S. or European targets," said the think tank's director of military analysis, Jennifer Kavanagh.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not immediately comment personally but said in September that if Ukraine fired these missiles far over the border, this would mean NATO was directly involved in the war. The alliance has repeatedly said it is not a party to the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the decision was an "escalation of tensions" and changed the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Washington provided Ukraine with shorter-range versions of ATACMS more than a year ago and has since sent missiles with a longer reach to Kyiv. But the U.S. had resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to green-light the use of these ground-launched ballistic missiles against key targets deep inside Russia, concerned about escalating the conflict.

Read the full story by Ellie Cook and John Feng on Newsweek.

09:42 AM EST

'Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War': Thomas Massie

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) reacted to President Joe Biden authorizing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. missiles.

Massie wrote on X, "By authorizing long range missiles to strike inside Russia, Biden is committing an unconstitutional Act of War that endangers the lives of all U.S. citizens."

09:38 AM EST

Odesa attack kills 10

The number of people killed in a purported Russian strike on Odesa today has increased to 10, according to the local governor. According to Oleg Kiper, the hit on the southern port city this morning killed seven police officers, a medic, and two local citizens.

Earlier, Kiper said that at least 39 individuals were hurt, including four children aged seven to 11.

09:31 AM EST

Ukraine issues update on size of North Korean force in Russia

Tens of thousands of North Korean soldiers could gain valuable battlefield experience in the coming year as they deploy to the front lines of Russia's war against Ukraine, according to Kyiv's top diplomat in Seoul.

Dmytro Ponomarenko told the Weekly Chosen newspaper that South Korea should respond by lifting its embargo on the provision of arms to Ukraine. He also called on the West to allow long-range strikes into Russian territory—a longtime ask of President Volodymyr Zelensky's government.

Ponomarenko's comments, published on Sunday, came shortly before the United States reportedly authorized Ukraine's armed forces to launch U.S.-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles at targets inside Russia's Kursk Oblast, bordering Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region.

Read the full story by John Feng on Newsweek.

09:29 AM EST

'Support for Ukraine is as important as ever': NATO secretary

NATO Secretary Mark Rutte said that "support for Ukraine is as important as ever" on Monday.

"At NATO, we are working at pace to deliver on the commitments made at the Washington summit – and support for Ukraine is as important as ever," Rutte said.

09:19 AM EST

Venezuelan President calls Zelensky 'Nazi criminal'

President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a "Nazi criminal."

09:07 AM EST

NATO member issues warning of "global scale" war

A top Hungarian diplomat has blamed the West for trying to expand the war in Ukraine, following reports that the Biden administration has decided to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missile strikes inside Russia.

Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's foreign minister, posted on social media that "the supporters of the war in Washington and Brussels have launched a final, desperate attack on the new reality," warning of "the extension of the war in Ukraine to the world."

On Sunday, Reuters and multiple other news outlets reported that President Joe Biden is to authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to launch strikes against Russian territory.

The decision comes after Ukraine spent months urging the U.S. to authorize long-range strikes into Russian territory. The White House had resisted due to fears of escalation, but Moscow's decision to deploy North Korean soldiers to Ukraine has reportedly changed the administration's thinking.

Read the full story by Marni Rose McFall on Newsweek.

08:59 AM EST

The Russia-Ukraine War 'will end faster' when Trump is president: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that Russia's conflict in Ukraine will finish "faster" when Donald Trump becomes president of the U.S.

In a radio interview with Ukrainian state station Suspilne, Zelensky said that the war "will end faster with the policy of this team that will now lead the White House."

"This is their approach, their promise to their society, and it is also very important to them," he said.

Zelensky added, "We must do everything to ensure that the war ends next year through diplomatic means."

08:47 AM EST

Joe Biden's Ukraine missile plan risks 'WWIII': Russian lawmaker

A Russian lawmaker has warned that outgoing President Joe Biden is risking the outbreak of a third world war by allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia.

Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy ATACMS rockets capable of hitting targets up to 190 miles (300 km) away, according to reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post.

"These guys, Biden's administration, is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office," Russian lawmaker Maria Butina said on Monday.

"I have a great hope that [Donald] Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War III, which is not in anybody's interest," she told Reuters.

Read the full story by Billal Rahman on Newsweek.

08:36 AM EST

What Putin's said about nuclear weapons as ATACMS Authorized against Russia

President Joe Biden will give Ukraine authorization to use US-provided long-range weapons to conduct strikes into Russian territory, prompting concerns among supporters of President-elect Donald Trump that it will cause Vladimir Putin to escalate the conflict.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "On his way out of office, Joe Biden is dangerously trying to start WWIII by authorizing Ukraine the use of U.S. long-range missiles into Russia."

In recorded remarks posted to messaging app Telegram, Putin said: "They have not told me anything about it, but I hope they have heard. Because, of course, we will have to make some decisions for ourselves, too."

The potential strikes could include Ukraine using ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles. Three sources familiar with the decision told Reuters that Biden the first deep strikes are likely to occur in the coming days and the targets could include Moscow.

Read the full story by Maya Mehrara on Newsweek.

08:34 AM EST

'President Biden should have listened to President Zelensky's pleas much earlier': Mike Turner

Ohio Rep. Mike Turner said that President Joe Biden "should have listened to President Zelensky's pleas much earlier" in a post to X following Biden's decision to authorize Ukraine's use of U.S.-provided long-range weapons.

Turner added that "this first step" would "put pressure on Vladimir Putin as President-elect @realDonaldTrump returns to the White House and works to end this war."

08:24 AM EST

Russia delivers most potent attack on Ukraine in months

Russia launched one of its heaviest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in recent months, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians in multiple regions on Sunday.

A missile strike with cluster munitions hit a nine-story apartment building in Sumy, killing at least 11 people, including two children, and injuring dozens.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported over 400 evacuations while rescuers combed through the rubble. "Every life destroyed by Russia is a big tragedy," Klymenko said.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

08:17 AM EST

Zelensky visits frontline town

Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit to soldiers in Pokrovsk, a major frontline town in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk area. He shared a video of the visit via X.

08:14 AM EST

Jeanne Shaheen reacts to Biden's missile authorization

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has reacted to President Joe Biden's decision to authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles.

She said that she is "glad" the decision was made.

08:01 AM EST

China responds as U.S. lets Ukraine strike Russian territory with ATACMS

China has accused the United States of "pouring fuel on fire and escalating the war" following President Joe Biden authorizing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with U.S. missiles.

The Associated Press reported on Sunday, citing a U.S. official and three other people familiar with the matter, that Ukraine was now allowed to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of up to 190 miles, on Russian military forces across the border.

The decision came after North Korea, which has already deployed troops to join Moscow's so-called special military operation in Ukraine, was spotted shipping artillery pieces to Russia last week that are capable of firing shell rounds at targets 25 to 37 miles away.

In an emailed response to Newsweek on Sunday, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., said China "is committed to promoting peace talks and opposes any move that could escalate tensions and escalate the regional situation."

He added: "Instead of pouring fuel on fire and escalating the war, relevant parties should strive to create conditions for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiation and make practical efforts to maintain peace."

Read the full story by Ryan Chan on Newsweek.

07:59 AM EST

ATACMS missiles: What they are

On Sunday, three individuals familiar with the decision informed Reuters and numerous news agencies that President Joe Biden will allow Ukraine to conduct strikes against Russian territory using weaponry given by the U.S, including Ukraine using ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles

Lockheed Martin's ATACMS are short-range ballistic missiles capable of striking targets up to 190 miles distant with a payload weighing around 375 pounds of explosives. Ballistic missiles travel higher and further into the sky than artillery rockets, returning to Earth at incredible speeds due to gravity's pull.

Specifics of the ATACMS missiles, as listed by Lockheed Martin, are:

Improved guidance package with Global Positioning System

Carries a WDU18, 500-lb class blast fragmentation warhead

Maximum range is 300 km

07:51 AM EST

United States 'will disappear,' Russian lawmaker threatens on live TV

A Russian lawmaker threatened there would be "nothing left" of the US following reports that the U.S. is allowing Ukraine to extend the targeting of missiles supplied by Washington into Russia.

"There will essentially be nothing left of America, which is trying to drag us into escalation. There will be no Biden or Trump. America is being inflicted with 95 percent total damage," said Andrei Gurulev, a State Duma deputy, speaking on Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov, broadcast by state-owned station Russia-1.

"Today, we are quite ready to destroy the entire nuclear potential of England and France with a single strike. This will be one of the options for deterring the United States from striking Russia," the former tank commander added.

The comments, on the show which is regarded as propaganda by Ukrainians and many in the West, came after A New York Times report was shared on Russian TV about how Ukraine has been given permission by the Biden administration to fire American-made ATACMS rockets deep into Russian territory.

Read the full story by Sophie Clark on Newsweek.

07:47 AM EST

Biden allows Ukraine to use US-supplied missiles for strikes inside Russia

President Joe Biden will authorize Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to launch strikes against Russian territory, three sources familiar with the decision told Reuters and multiple news outlets on Sunday.

Ukraine has for months urged the U.S. to authorize long-range strikes into Russian territory, but the White House has resisted doing so over fears of escalation. However, Moscow's decision to deploy North Korean soldiers to the Ukrainian front has changed the administration's thinking.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told RBC TV that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has already spoken on this matter."

Russian media reported comments Putin made on September 12, in which he said: "It is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is about deciding whether NATO countries become directly involved in the military conflict or not" and that Moscow would make "appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us."

Read the full story by Peter Aitken on Newsweek.