Biden allows Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets in Russia
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US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, specifically near the Kharkiv region, according to US officials. One official told BBC News that his team was instructed to ensure Ukraine could utilise US weapons for “counter-fire purposes” to retaliate against Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack them.
Recently, Russian forces have made advances in the Kharkiv region following a surprise offensive near the Russian border. On Friday, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian shelling of a residential building in a Kharkiv suburb resulted in three deaths and 16 injuries.
The US official emphasized that the policy prohibiting the use of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or long-range strikes inside Russia remains unchanged. When CBS, the BBC’s US partner, inquired if the new policy included targeting Russian aircraft, an official stated, “We’ve never told them [Ukraine] they can’t shoot down a Russian airplane over Russian soil that’s coming to attack them.”
Meanwhile, the UK indicated openness to relaxing restrictions on how Ukraine could use Western-supplied weapons. Despite concerns about escalating the conflict, several European leaders have also advocated for easing these restrictions. However, Washington, which supplies most of Ukraine’s weaponry, had been resistant due to escalation fears. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a policy shift during his visit to Moldova on Wednesday.
