US President Joe Biden has reportedly given the green light to Ukraine to use US made weaponry to bomb targets inside Russia in what appears to be a change in policy.
Citing 4 anonymous US officials familiar with the matter, media outlets reported on Thursday evening that Biden had “recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use US-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them”.
The official noted, however, that Ukraine would not be allowed to use long-range US weapons (ATACMS) – which have a maximum fire range of 300km- to hit military targets deep inside Russian territory.
The reports stress that Biden’s directive allows for U.S.-supplied weapons to be used for “counterfire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them,” one official said.
Following the reports, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg downplayed Russian threats of escalation stating that Kyiv has the right to self-defense.
Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Ukraine’s actions are within its right to self-defense despite Russian threats. The decision signifies a notable shift in the US stance, potentially impacting the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
