On the 30th, Politico and CNN reported that U.S. President Joe Biden had given Ukraine partial authorization to use American weapons to attack Russian territory.
The officials told CNN, “The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine can utilize U.S.-supplied weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them.“
This loosening of restrictions is a break from a long-standing policy and comes amid increasing international pressure from close U.S. allies.
However, officials say this is limited to the area around Kharkiv, adding that they do not anticipate the U.S. to expand the permitted area.
John Kirby, United States National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, did not rule out the possibility of permission, saying, “Our support to Ukraine has evolved appropriately as the conditions on the battlefield have evolved. There is no change in this current policy.”
The media evaluated that this represents a significant shift from the Biden administration’s principle of prohibiting the use of American weapons for attacks on Russian territory since the beginning of the Ukraine war. Promising firm military support to Ukraine while trying to prevent escalation, Biden has drawn a clear line against targeting the Russian mainland with these weapons. This policy change was made as Russia has recently launched a major offensive against Ukraine, putting the border city of Kharkiv at risk. The Ukrainian government has continuously requested this revision of the principle, emphasizing the precariousness of the situation
With this U.S. permission, Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistics hubs near western Kharkiv can now be attacked by artillery and rockets provided by the U.S.
However, some argue that this measure is insufficient to dramatically change the course of the war. Also, the U.S. administration is standing firm against allowing Ukraine to use the ATACMS missile, the most powerful weapon it can fire at Russia that can hit targets up to 200 miles away.
This measure does not allow Ukraine to target aircraft on Russian territory.
Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “Over the past two years, as the conditions of the Ukraine war have changed and Russia has expanded its aggression, we too must adapt and adjust.” He mentioned that the U.S. could adapt and adjust its stance this week.
On the 29th, French President Emmanuel Macron explained at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that France has allowed its weapons sent to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, to target bases in Russia.