In a surprising policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized Kyiv to use U.S.-supplied weapons to target areas inside Russia near the border with Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. This move marks a departure from Biden’s previous stance of not allowing Ukraine to use American weaponry for strikes inside Russia.
A U.S. official stated, “The President directed his team to ensure Ukraine can use U.S.-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv, enabling them to defend against or retaliate for Russian attacks.” NATO allies have been urging the U.S. to permit Ukraine to use Western weapons against Russian military sites supporting the ongoing offensive towards Kharkiv.
Russia has not responded to requests for comment on the matter. The decision came to light following the Pentagon’s statement affirming the unchanged policy of not using U.S. weapons inside Russia. Despite this, Russian jetfighters have been launching bombs in support of the offensive.
As tensions escalate, Biden’s decision signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.