Joe Biden Greenlights Ukraine to Strike Russia with American Weapons

In a major policy change, the Joe Biden administration has quietly allowed Ukraine to use provided American weapons to strike Russian territory near Kharkiv.

This decision aims to strengthen Ukraine's defense of its second-largest city against Russian advances, Politico reports.

The permission, confirmed by US officials, enables Ukraine to target Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack Kharkiv.

However, the policy still prohibits long-range strikes deep inside Russia.

A US official noted that President Joe Biden directed his team to support Ukraine's counter-fire efforts in response to Russia's recent intensified offensive on Kharkiv.

Flexibility for Self-Defense

Recently, the US granted Ukraine the flexibility to use American weapons, such as rockets and launchers, to defend itself from border attacks near Kharkiv.

These weapons can intercept Russian missiles, target troop concentrations, and engage bombers launching attacks on Ukrainian territory.

However, Ukraine is restricted from using these weapons against civilian infrastructure or conducting long-range strikes inside Russia, according to CNN.

The shift in US policy, initially seen as a potential escalation, was driven by worsening battlefield conditions and Russian advances in Kharkiv.

The National Security Council has not commented on the change.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested US policy toward Ukraine would evolve, and National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby did not rule out a policy change.

Top US allies like the UK and France support Ukraine's right to use Western weapons for strikes inside Russia.

Bipartisan Congressional support exists, with military officials briefing Congress on the strategic value of such strikes.

Some US officials worry about Ukraine using drones for unrelated military targets.

The US stresses that American weapons should target military sites directly involved in the invasion, not civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have pressed the Joe Biden administration to change its policy, arguing that not targeting Russian troop positions across the border complicates their defense.

In a conversation with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov advocated for using American weapons inside Russia to defend Kharkiv.

President Joe Biden's decision is limited to areas near Kharkiv, and Ukraine has not requested broader permissions.

The US maintains its prohibition on using long-range missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), for deep strikes inside Russia.

International Reactions and NATO Involvement

European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, support Ukraine's use of Western weapons for self-defense.

Macron emphasized targeting bases in Russia from which attacks on Ukraine are launched, Reuters noted.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the US and allies to provide Ukraine with the necessary capabilities to defend itself without limitations, including striking legitimate military targets in Russia.

The Joe Biden administration's decision reflects growing international pressure and changing battlefield conditions.

While Ukraine can use American weapons near Kharkiv, it remains prohibited from using long-range weapons like ATACMS for deep strikes inside Russia.

This decision does not endorse Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian petroleum facilities but is a significant step in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression near Kharkiv.

International support and strategic considerations will continue to shape future policies.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: U.S. official: Biden secretly gave Ukraine permission to strike inside Russia with western weapons - From NBC News