Biden Greenlights Ukraine's Use of US Weapons Against Russian Targets
President Joe Biden has tacitly authorised Ukraine to utilise weapons supplied by the United States to target specific locations within Russia, albeit exclusively within the Harkov region.
This information was confirmed to the BBC by an American official.
"The President recently directed his team to ensure Ukraine's ability to utilise American armaments in response to hostilities in the Harkov region, thereby enabling Ukraine to engage Russian forces engaged in or preparing for aggression," the official stated.
In response to inquiries regarding whether the new policy encompasses attacks on Russian aircraft, the official clarified: "I have never informed Ukraine that they are prohibited from intercepting Russian aircraft over Russian territory when these aircraft are en route to engage them."
Pressure has mounted on the White House in recent weeks to authorise Ukraine to employ weaponry against Russian territory, while Kiev has repelled a sudden offensive by Russian forces at the border of the Harkov region.
Several US allies have indicated this week their willingness to contemplate deploying the weaponry they have provided against targets within Russian territory.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius disclosed that Berlin will deliberate the possibility of permitting Ukraine to employ German armaments on Russian soil.
During a briefing with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov, Pistorius underscored that any use of the weapons must adhere to "the boundaries of international law," echoing prior explicit statements made by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Pistorius additionally emphasised that while the matter is under review, bilateral agreements are dispensable for public deliberations and the establishment of a framework delineating "what actions are acceptable and what are not."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
