President Biden has made a historic decision to authorize Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia with U.S.-made weapons, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move, under pressure from top national security aides and European allies, could potentially open a new chapter in the war for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials.
The decision, which allows for strikes on artillery, missile bases, and command centers inside Russia, is seen as a response to relentless attacks on Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region. The authorization is specifically for acts of self-defense to protect Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city, and surrounding areas from Russian aggression.
While this marks the first time an American president has authorized such military actions against a nuclear-armed adversary, White House officials emphasize that the authorization is limited to counter-fire purposes and does not extend to long-range strikes inside Russia. The goal is to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian forces without escalating the conflict further.
The decision came after Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about the escalating situation in Ukraine and the need for a change in policy. Allies such as Britain, France, Germany, and NATO have also supported Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian attacks.
President Zelensky of Ukraine had been pressing for the right to strike back inside Russia, particularly in response to the assault on Kharkiv. President Biden, who had been hesitant to escalate the conflict, ultimately agreed to allow limited strikes in a narrowly prescribed manner.
The Pentagon will provide Ukraine with guidelines on what military sites can be targeted in Russia, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III conveying the details to Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the commander of the U.S. European Command. This decision marks a significant development in the conflict in Ukraine and could have far-reaching implications for the region.
