President Joe Biden has partially lifted a ban on Ukraine using U.S.-provided weapons for strikes inside Russia, according to three U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News. Ukraine may use these weapons on the Russian side of the border near the besieged Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, targeting concentrations of Russian troops and artillery. This shift in policy allows Ukraine to defend itself against Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack them. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Moldova, mentioned that the U.S. has adapted and adjusted its stance as necessary and will continue to do so in the future.
The decision to allow Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region has not changed the policy of prohibiting long-range strikes inside of Russia. However, there is public pressure from NATO and other European leaders to support allowing Ukraine to use weapons provided to them in broader ways. This move signals a shift in the U.S. stance towards supporting Ukraine in its conflict against Russian forces, particularly in the region near Kharkiv.
It is not immediately known whether any U.S. weapons have been used under the new guidelines so far. One U.S. official mentioned that it is up to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to decide and announce the use of these weapons. The decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons for strikes inside Russia comes at a critical time in the conflict, with Russian forces advancing in the region near Kharkiv. This shift in policy reflects the ongoing support of the U.S. for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during his visit to Moldova that the U.S. will continue to adapt and adjust its policies as necessary to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces. The decision to partially lift the ban on Ukraine using American-supplied weapons for strikes inside Russia is a strategic move to allow Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks. The involvement of NATO and other European leaders in supporting Ukraine’s use of weapons provided to them further emphasizes the international support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russian forces.
Overall, the decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons for counter-fire purposes near the besieged city of Kharkiv represents a significant shift in U.S. policy towards supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has drawn international attention, with the U.S. and other allies expressing support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself. The adaptation of U.S. policies to allow Ukraine to use these weapons for defensive purposes reflects the commitment of the U.S. to stand by Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces.
