Under new conditions set by President Joe Biden, Ukraine has been given the green light to strike targets on Russian soil near the city of Kharkiv. According to an American official, the president has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons in response to Russian attacks or preparations for attacks in the Kharkiv region. However, the United States remains opposed to strikes deep inside Russian territory.
During the Ukraine-Europe summit, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed positive feedback on the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting people living in villages along the border. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that the US had adjusted its stance on Ukrainian strikes due to changing conditions on the battlefield.
Kharkiv, located in eastern Ukraine, has been a frequent target of Russian bombings originating from Russian territory. The ongoing offensive by Russian troops has put significant pressure on the struggling Ukrainian army. While Moscow warns of severe consequences for Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil, Kyiv argues that it is targeting military sites used by the Russian army to bomb Ukrainian cities.
Some Western allies have called for lifting restrictions on arms deliveries to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg have expressed support for this move, despite Russia’s threats of escalation. However, Stoltenberg has dismissed these threats, pointing out that Western weapons have been delivered without restrictions on their use in past instances.
The decision to allow Ukraine to strike targets on Russian soil sparked a debate among international stakeholders about its implications for the conflict in the region.
During a recent summit between leaders from Europe and North America, Volodymyr Zelensky reacted positively to news that Joe Biden had given his approval for Ukraine’s military forces to strike targets within Russia near Kharkiv.
“The protection of our people living along our borders is critical,” Zelensky said during a press conference following the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Blinken confirmed that under certain conditions set by President Biden, Ukraine was now authorized to use American weapons against targets within Russia’s borders when necessary.
However, it should be noted that while this development marks a significant shift in US policy towards supporting Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia’s aggression in eastern Europe,
President Biden remains opposed to any form of direct confrontation with Russia deep within its own territory.
