Biden Approves Ukraine’s Use of American Weapons for Strikes in Russia

United States President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to attack targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region, BBC reported. Kharkiv, located on the Ukraine-Russia border, was targeted by Putin’s troops on Thursday, leading to the death of three individuals and injuring 16 others. This is the latest escalation in the conflict that began in February 2022 and has left thousands dead on both sides.

A US official, speaking to BBC, revealed that his team had been directed to ensure Ukraine was able to use American weapons for “counter-fire purposes” to “hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them.” However, he added, “Our policy with respect to prohibiting the use of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or long-range strikes inside of Russia has not changed.”

In April, the US sanctioned an aid package worth $61 billion for Ukraine’s much-needed air support, albeit after months of intense Congressional debate. The new legislation brings Washington’s total commitment to $175 billion since the beginning of the Russian invasion. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with The Guardian, asserted that the Biden administration’s delay in sanctions against Moscow has led to them “laughing” and “hunting” Ukraine.

Despite concerns about the bloody conflict escalating, several European leaders have recently called for restrictions on the use of such weapons to be relaxed. But Washington, which provides the bulk of Ukraine’s weaponry, had resisted easing these restrictions. Interestingly, America’s stance seems to be changing, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinting at the shift during a visit to Moldova on Wednesday.