In a significant turn of events, Ukraine has allegedly used US weapons to strike targets inside Russia, according to a western official. This development comes as a result of recent guidance approved by US President Joe Biden, which allows American arms to be used in defense of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The official, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that the weapons were used to strike Russian forces that were attacking or preparing to attack Ukraine.
This decision marks a limited departure from US policy, which currently prohibits the use of American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia. Instead, the approved guidance enables Ukraine to defend itself against attacks originating from Russian territory. Kharkiv, located just 12 miles from the Russian border, has been a key battleground in the ongoing conflict, with Russian forces intensifying their attacks in the region.
Ukrainian officials had been advocating for permission to defend themselves against Russian attacks, particularly in the wake of a lengthy delay in the replenishment of US military aid. The inadequate military production in Western Europe has also slowed crucial deliveries to the battlefield, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian aggression.
Despite the concerns, US officials have maintained a cautious stance. In a recent statement, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that the US cannot confirm whether Ukraine had used US weapons to strike targets in Russia. “We’re just not in a position on a day-to-day basis of knowing exactly what the Ukrainians are firing at what,” Kirby explained. “It’s certainly at a tactical level.”
US President Joe Biden (Via Joe Biden/Twitter)
However, evidence suggests that Ukraine did strike a Russian air defense battery in Belgorod Oblast using the high mobility artillery rocket system, or HIMARS, according to a June 3 report from the Institute for the Study of War. The air defense system was located approximately 40 miles from the current front line in northern Kharkiv Oblast and more than 50 miles from the city of Kharkiv, within the range of HIMARS.
The confirmation of these strikes comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Qatar, which has been a key mediator in prisoner swaps and other negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since the war began. Zelensky’s visit underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations, amid the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s decision to use US weapons to strike targets inside Russia marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict. While the US has approved the use of American arms for defense purposes, the limited scope of this guidance raises questions about the future of Ukrainian-US military cooperation. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the trajectory of the war and the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and Russia.
