Topic: Atacms

President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied long-range missiles (ATACMS) for strikes inside Russian territory, specifically targeting the Kursk region. The policy shift is reportedly a response to the deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces. Biden avoided press questions regarding the escalation while attending the G20 summit in Brazil, famously walking into a jungle setting after a brief statement.

A "Three By Three" comparison of ABC, CBS, and NBC news coverage shows a unified narrative regarding Ukraine's first use of ATACMS missiles inside Russia. Reports focused on the 1,000-day milestone of the war and Vladimir Putin's subsequent lowering of the threshold for nuclear retaliation. The networks highlighted the deployment of North Korean troops as the primary justification for the U.S. policy reversal.

Discussions regarding the authorization of long-range missiles for Ukraine highlight tensions between NATO and Russia. Vladimir Putin warned that such approval would signify NATO is at war with Russia due to the technical Western involvement required for targeting. Reports suggest the debate shifted following news of Iran sending missiles to Russia, while analysts weigh the risk of nuclear escalation.

The legislation mandates the transfer of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, though the President retains the power to withhold them for national security reasons. Additionally, billions are earmarked for the procurement of Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines to bolster defenses in Taiwan. The bill also expands the definition of allies to include "major non-NATO allies" in the Indo-Pacific region.

A producer working at Lockheed Martin provided a correction on the pronunciation of ATACMS rockets, noting they are called "I-TAC-ems" rather than "A-TAC-ems." This information inspired new digital art for the show. The segment also touches on various listener-submitted artworks and the "No Agenda" art generator, which tracks topics in real-time.

Senator Mark Kelly confirmed the Biden administration's decision to provide Ukraine with ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), which have a range of approximately 190 miles. Kelly addressed the long delay in approval, citing the complexity of the systems and concerns over potential escalation. The missiles are intended to allow Ukrainian forces to strike behind Russian lines to maintain counter-offensive progress.

Ukraine is transitioning from old Soviet systems to Western weaponry as parts for S-300 air defense and older tanks become scarce, sometimes necessitating 3D printing for repairs. The Biden administration continues to refuse requests for long-range ATACMS missiles, citing concerns that they represent a "red line" for the Kremlin and could lead to escalation. Despite Ukrainian promises not to strike inside Russian territory, U.S. officials remain cautious about providing weapons with a 180-mile range.