Brussels: US President Joe Biden's approval for Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian military targets has prompted varied international responses, with European leaders offering support, warnings, and critiques. According to Anadolu Agency, French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed the decision, deeming it "good" and necessary for Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Macron highlighted the reported involvement of North Korean troops aiding Russia as a significant factor, describing it as an 'escalatory rupture' in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the duty to assist Ukraine in resisting, underscoring the increasing complexity of the war. Polish President Andrzej Duda praised the decision as a 'breakthrough moment' in the conflict. Speaking in Warsaw, Duda noted that the long-range missiles would bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian forces. He also pointed out the symbolic significance of the US decision, interpreting it as a strong indication of Western backing for Kyiv. Duda criticized Germany for hesitating to provide similar aid and highlighted the robust US-Polish relations, especially after the inauguration of a US military base in northern Poland, asserting that relations between the two countries are at an all-time high. Conversely, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto condemned the US decision, labeling it 'extremely dangerous' and cautioning that it could escalate the conflict globally. Szijjarto, advocating for an immediate cease-fire, accused the US of disregarding public calls for peace and deemed the approval 'undemocratic.' He expressed these views in a Facebook post, warning that the decision could potentially trigger a global conflict. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated Italy's position, stating that Italian-supplied weapons to Ukraine should not be used beyond its borders. Tajani advocated for a peace conference involving global powers and expressed op timism that China might persuade Russia to cease the war. The decision emerges amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes, with US President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office in January. Trump has criticized the extent of US military assistance to Ukraine and committed to focusing on ending the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown optimism regarding Trump's "peace through strength" strategy. Concurrently, reports of North Korean troops supporting Russia have stirred concerns in the West, although Pyongyang has yet to confirm these claims.