US President Joe Biden for the first time authorized Ukraine to use US weapons to carry out attacks on Russian territory, specifically to defend the besieged city of Kharkiv, US officials said.
“The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine can use American weapons for counterattack purposes in Kharkiv, so that Ukraine can respond to Russian forces attacking them or preparing to attack them,” a US official told BBC News. .
This decision implies a change in the policy that the White House has followed since the beginning of the war launched by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine and responds to the intensification of a Russian offensive against the second largest city in Ukraine.
This decision does not change, however, Washington’s policy of not allowing long-range attacks inside Russia.
“Our policy regarding prohibiting the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or long-range strikes inside Russia has not changed,” the US official told the BBC.
Despite this, Moscow is likely to see the new measure as an escalation.
Russian forces have made gains in the Kharkiv region in recent weeks after a surprise offensive in the area, near the border with Russia.
U.S. officials said U.S. missiles and launchers could be used — under strict parameters — against Russian troops and artillery deployed across the border from Kharkiv and against Russian planes dropping bombs on the city from inside the territory. Russian.
When CBS, the BBC’s American partner, CBS, asked if the new policy included attacking Russian planes, an American official said: “We have never told [a Ucrania] “They cannot shoot down a Russian plane over Russian soil that comes to attack them.”
Adapting to changes
The White House decision comes after repeated requests made by Ukraine – with support from NATO – for this change to be authorized.
Britain had previously signaled it was open to easing restrictions on how Ukraine can use weapons supplied by the West.
But Washington, which has provided most of Ukraine’s weapons, had resisted easing these restrictions for fear of escalation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at the change during a visit to Moldova on Wednesday.
“Every step of the way, we have adapted and adjusted as necessary,” he said.
“And that is exactly what we will do in the future,” he added.
Click here to read more stories from BBC News World.
You can also follow us on Youtube, instagram, TikTok, x, Facebook and in our new whatsapp channelwhere you will find breaking news and our best content.
And remember that you can receive notifications in our app. Download the latest version and activate them.