President Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Strike Inside Russia with U.S. Munitions
WASHINGTON — In a bold move, President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to launch strikes inside Russian territory using American munitions. However, the use of these weapons is limited to targets over the border close to Kharkiv, following significant advances by Russian forces around the northeastern city near the Russian border, according to two US officials who spoke with CNN.
One official stated, “The president recently instructed his team to ensure that Ukraine can utilize US-supplied weapons for counterfire operations in Kharkiv, allowing them to retaliate against Russian forces that are targeting them or preparing to target them.”
This shift in policy, amid mounting international pressure from US allies, is specifically focused on the area surrounding Kharkiv. Ukraine has not requested permission to strike targets beyond this region, and the US does not plan to expand the approved area, the official confirmed.
Politico was the first to report this development, revealing that Kyiv made the request for a policy change in response to recent Russian advances near Kharkiv. Ukrainian forces can now target Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia using US-provided artillery and rockets.
While Ukraine has been allowed to use US anti-aircraft weapons to defend against Russian aircraft in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace, they are prohibited from targeting Russian aircraft on the ground inside Russia. The US has also refrained from permitting Ukraine to use long-range missiles known as ATACMS to strike targets 200 miles away.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a potential shift in the administration’s approach when he acknowledged the need to adapt to changing circumstances. He emphasized the US commitment to supporting Ukraine in deterring and defending against future attacks.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have expressed support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself using weapons supplied by their countries. Macron stressed the importance of allowing Ukraine to neutralize military sites from which they are attacked.
The US initially imposed limits on Ukraine’s use of American weaponry to prevent the escalation of the conflict. However, after receiving direct appeals from Ukrainian officials and pressure from NATO allies, the Biden administration decided to lift restrictions to enable Ukrainian forces to target Russian staging areas near Kharkiv.
Despite concerns about escalating the war, the US changed its position in response to evolving circumstances and appeals from Ukraine. The decision to amend the policy was made following consultations between top US officials and Ukrainian counterparts, culminating in Biden’s approval.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg advocated for providing Ukraine with the necessary capabilities to defend itself, highlighting the importance of allowing Ukraine to target legitimate military targets on Russian territory. Stoltenberg’s efforts, both publicly and behind closed doors, played a crucial role in shaping the US decision to support Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
As the US moves forward with this new policy, the world watches to see how Ukraine will utilize its enhanced capabilities to protect its sovereignty and respond to Russian aggression. — CNN
