The Biden administration has discreetly approved Ukraine's use of U.S.-provided weapons for strikes within Russia, specifically in the vicinity of Kharkiv, according to three U.S. officials and two other informed sources on Thursday.
This marks a significant shift aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense of its second-largest city. The broader policy prohibiting long-range strikes deep into Russian territory remains unchanged.
Ukraine requested this policy adjustment following the onset of Russia’s offensive on Kharkiv earlier this month, an official revealed. All sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations that have not yet been publicly announced.
The U.S. decided to grant Ukraine “flexibility” to protect itself from assaults near Kharkiv, stated a second U.S. official. This means Ukraine can now deploy American-supplied weapons, such as rockets and rocket launchers, to intercept Russian missiles aimed at Kharkiv, target troops assembling just over the border, or engage Russian bombers attacking Ukrainian territory. However, Ukraine is restricted from using these weapons against civilian infrastructure or for long-range missile strikes, like the Army Tactical Missile System, on targets deep within Russia.
Initially, the administration argued that such actions would escalate the conflict by more directly involving the U.S. However, deteriorating conditions for Ukraine on the battlefield, particularly Russia’s advances and strengthened position in Kharkiv, have prompted Biden to reconsider his stance.
