President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to conduct strikes inside Russian territory using American munitions, with restrictions limiting strikes to targets near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advances in the northeastern region close to the border, as reported by two US officials.
One official stated, 'The president has instructed his team to enable Ukraine to utilize US-supplied weapons for counterfire operations in Kharkiv, allowing them to retaliate against Russian forces targeting or preparing to target them.'
This policy shift, a departure from previous norms, comes amidst mounting international pressure from key US allies. However, the authorization is confined to the Kharkiv area, with no further requests from Ukraine anticipated, according to the official. The US is unlikely to expand the permitted strike zone.
Politico was the first to break the story.
Ukraine recently requested the policy change from Washington as Russian forces advanced. US-provided artillery and rockets can now target Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia.
However, the administration remains firm in withholding permission for Ukraine to use its most potent munition, the long-range ATACMS missiles capable of striking targets up to 200 miles away.
Ukraine has been authorized to deploy US anti-aircraft weapons to address the immediate threat of Russian aircraft in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace, achieving successful outcomes, emphasized the first official. Nevertheless, the ban persists on targeting Russian aircraft grounded within Russia.
