The Only Thing Biden Should Lose is Putin: Why Deeper Strikes Into Russia Are the Answer

 

 The only thing President Biden stands to lose by letting Ukraine strike deeper into Russia is Putin—a dictator long overdue for a lesson in humility. By allowing Ukraine to hit Russia’s heartland, Biden can end Putin’s imperial ambitions and show the world that nuclear threats are nothing but bluster. And history will remember him as the U.S. president who finally broke Putin’s iron grip over Europe, not as the president who let Ukraine's cries go unanswered.

President Biden has a unique opportunity in the Russia-Ukraine war—one that could cement his legacy as a president who ended Vladimir Putin's ambitions once and for all. In fact, one could say Biden holds the key to putting Russia “to bed.” How? By allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory using long-range Western weapons, including the American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles. It's a bold move that would push the boundaries of what the West has been willing to support, but one that could potentially end the war and put Biden in the history books as the president who finally defeated Putin's grip on Eastern Europe.

Many Americans might flinch at the idea of escalating the war, but let’s face it: half-measures have not worked. The war has dragged on for over a year, and every day Ukraine fights, it does so under the heavy shadow of Russia’s nuclear threat. This war has cost Ukraine thousands of lives, devastated cities, and destabilized Europe. And what has been accomplished? Not enough. Russia continues to strike at will, hoping to outlast Ukrainian resistance and Western resolve.

Biden, however, has a chance to flip the script entirely. Instead of letting this war sputter out in the mud, with Ukraine struggling to reclaim its territory inch by inch, why not give them the tools to strike deep into Russia? Why not allow Ukraine to hit Russia where it hurts the most—its homeland? Ukraine’s army is more than capable. It’s been proven on the battlefield that, with the right weapons, they can stop Russian advances and even retake occupied territory. If given long-range ATACMS missiles and British Storm Shadows, Ukraine could destroy key Russian military assets far beyond the frontlines, crippling Putin’s war machine and forcing him to negotiate from a position of weakness. History teaches us that wars are often won not by defense, but by taking the fight to the enemy’s doorstep.

Take World War II as an example. The Allied forces didn’t just defend their territory—they launched decisive offensives deep into Axis-controlled Europe, crippling Hitler’s armies and forcing the Nazi regime into surrender. The lesson is clear: to win wars, you must do more than hold the line. You must push the enemy back and strike where they least expect it. Ukraine has shown it can do this with Western-supplied weapons, such as HIMARS and other advanced systems. The time has come to take this support a step further.

Allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia would be controversial, yes. It would raise concerns about escalation, especially from Moscow, which would undoubtedly cry foul and issue more nuclear threats. But how long will the world allow Putin to hold the threat of nuclear war over everyone’s heads like a sword of Damocles? At some point, the bluff must be called. Putin has demonstrated that he is a master of manipulation, playing the West against itself by issuing veiled threats while continuing his brutal invasion of Ukraine. Biden could do what no other president has dared—strip Putin of his power to intimidate. By empowering Ukraine to strike Russia, Biden would be sending a message that Putin’s threats are hollow, that his bluster no longer holds sway over the global stage.

Let’s not forget the purpose of deterrence. For years, the idea has been that showing strength prevents adversaries from acting recklessly. Yet, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine happened despite years of NATO posturing and sanctions. It happened because Putin believed the West wouldn’t dare confront him. If Biden allows Ukraine to hit Russia hard, he would be proving Putin wrong in the most dramatic way possible. And the only thing he would lose is Putin. Not a bad trade-off for peace in Europe and a key victory for democracy.

Some will argue that deeper strikes into Russia could lead to unintended consequences—escalation, even wider war. But consider this: Putin’s forces are already committing atrocities in Ukraine. Russian missiles have rained down on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilian infrastructure and killing innocent people. Is there truly a line left to cross? The war is already ugly, already brutal. Striking back hard would not only weaken Russia’s ability to continue its invasion but would send a message to other rogue states watching closely. If Biden is willing to back Ukraine in such a significant way, other potential aggressors, such as China, may think twice before embarking on their own imperial adventures.

This move could also boost Biden’s standing domestically. With a tough election ahead, foreign policy successes could help counter some of his challenges at home. Voters respect a leader who can decisively end conflicts, especially one that has drained U.S. resources and attention. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war by enabling Ukraine to deliver a knockout blow to Russia could rally support for Biden as a strong leader on the world stage—one who didn’t shy away from tough decisions when they mattered most. He could exit the Oval Office with his head held high, his presidency marked by a final, triumphant act of leadership.

And what would the world lose? Putin. The man who has destabilized global peace for over two decades. The architect of annexations, invasions, and war crimes. If Biden can neutralize Putin by helping Ukraine strike deep into Russia, history will judge him favorably. It will be said that President Biden did what no one else could—he ended the reign of Vladimir Putin, dealt a blow to authoritarianism, and helped secure a more peaceful Europe. That’s a legacy worth fighting for.

Of course, critics will howl that Biden is playing with fire. But sometimes you have to risk a little heat to stop the blaze from spreading. In this case, it’s a gamble worth taking. By finishing this Russia-Ukraine business before he leaves office, Biden can claim one of the most significant geopolitical victories in recent history. He will be remembered not just as a caretaker president, but as the leader who put Putin in his place.

As the old saying goes, "If you want peace, prepare for war." Biden has prepared long enough—it’s time to let Ukraine bring the war to Russia. And if anyone complains about it, well, they can ask themselves why they’d prefer to keep Putin around anyway.