In a significant development, the United States has confirmed the authorization for Ukraine to use American weapons to strike Russian military targets, extending beyond the Kharkiv region to the entire northern region of Ukraine. This move marks a notable shift in the US’s stance on the conflict, as it previously prohibited Ukraine from using supplied weapons to target Russian territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the decision, which he believes will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its citizens living along the border with Russia. The US has allowed Ukraine to use systems such as HIMARS and Patriot batteries for these counterattacks. Despite this, the US maintains a ban on using long-range missiles like ATACMS for strikes inside Russia.Russia has issued a stern warning in response, with Russian Senator Andrei Klischas stating that Ukraine has already been attacking Russian territory with Western weapons. Dmitry Medvedev, the vice president of the Security Council, has threatened a response of such destructive force that it would involve NATO. The Kremlin has criticized the US decision as evidence of direct American involvement in the conflict.Amidst these developments, Zelensky plans to meet with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on June 1 to discuss the partial lifting of the ban on strikes in Russia and to potentially seek further support. The situation remains tense as the conflict enters a new phase of potential direct confrontation, with global implications.
Key points
- The US has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons to strike Russian military targets, expanding the scope of support.
- Ukraine welcomes the decision, with President Zelensky set to discuss further support with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
- Russia warns of a devastating response to the use of Western weapons on its territory.
