Three sources familiar with the situation have reported that the US administration under President Joe Biden has removed restrictions that previously prevented Ukraine from employing US-supplied weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory.
According to the sources, Ukraine is preparing to launch its inaugural long-range assaults shortly, although specific details remain undisclosed due to security concerns. The White House has declined to comment on these developments.
This US decision, occurring just over two months before Donald Trump’s presidency on January 20, responds to persistent appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He has long sought permission for the Ukrainian military to target distant Russian military sites using American weapons.
The US is approaching a final determination to lift some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of western-made weapons to strike limited military targets in Russia https://t.co/OM05vXy5dZ
— Bloomberg (@business) November 17, 2024The policy adjustment aligns with recent developments, including Russia’s controversial move to bolster its troops with North Korean ground forces, which has raised significant concerns in Washington and Kyiv.
The sources indicated that Ukraine might employ ATACMS rockets, capable of hitting targets up to 190 miles (306 km) away, for these strategic strikes. While some US officials are sceptical about whether these long-range strikes will alter the course of the conflict, they acknowledge that such actions could strengthen Ukraine’s position in potential ceasefire negotiations.
NEW: The New York Times and Washington Post reported that US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukrainian forces to use US-provided ATACMS in limited strikes against Russian and North Korean military targets within Kursk Oblast.
The partial lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's… pic.twitter.com/eCyLUP90f7
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 18, 2024The continuation of this policy under the incoming Trump administration remains uncertain. Trump has often criticized the extent of US aid to Ukraine and pledged to swiftly conclude the conflict, though his exact plans are unclear.
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Moreover, some Republican lawmakers have advocated for more flexible use of US-supplied weapons by Ukraine. At the same time, Russia has cautioned that easing these restrictions would significantly escalate the conflict.
