U.S. Allows Ukraine to Use American Weapons to Hit Russian Forces Anywhere

Following recent developments, the United States has communicated to Ukraine that it can employ American-supplied weaponry to target any Russian forces launching attacks from the border, not solely those in the vicinity of Kharkiv, as communicated by U.S. officials.

Expanded Authorization

The subtle shift in the U.S. messaging, although officials assert it does not represent a change in policy, comes shortly after quietly granting Kyiv permission to retaliate inside Russia following a cross-border assault on Kharkiv. Initially, the authorization was restricted to the Kharkiv region and subject to other limitations, as emphasized by U.S. officials.

Usage of American Weapons

Subsequently, Ukrainian forces have used American weaponry to strike into Russia, resulting in the destruction of targets in Belgorod and successfully thwarting the Russian assault. However, Ukrainian and European officials have urged the U.S. to further relax its constraints, allowing Ukraine to strike anywhere within Russia.

Statement by National Security Adviser

National security adviser Jake Sullivan stated in an interview with PBS that the agreement with Ukraine to utilize American weapons against Russia encompasses "anywhere that Russian forces are coming across the border from the Russian side to the Ukrainian side to try to take additional Ukrainian territory."

Russia has indicated potential movement towards the northeastern city of Sumy, near the Russian border. In response, Sullivan affirmed that the policy would extend to this area as well.

Clarification of Policy

Sullivan clarified, "This is not about geography. It's about common sense. If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine, it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back against the forces that are hitting it from across the border."

Two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously about the discussions, maintained that permitting Ukraine to retaliate inside Russia in response to cross-border attacks does not signify a policy shift since the decision pertaining to Kharkiv was made. The move was initially delineated within the context of the ongoing Kharkiv assault, but it did not preclude the possibility of responding to other cross-border attacks, according to one official.

Nonetheless, Sullivan's language contrasts notably with statements made by U.S. officials in May when the new policy was outlined. At that time, a senior U.S. official emphasized, "The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S. weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them."