Biden may allow Ukraine to strike Russia with US weapons - Blinken
Photo: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
US President Joe Biden is "not ruling out" that Ukraine could launch missiles deep into Russian territory. The United States had made sure Ukraine had everything it needed to repel Russian aggression, stated Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to Blinken, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the United States had made sure Ukraine had "what it needed, when it needed it, to be effective in repelling the Russian aggression".
At the same time, he reminded that Washington must consider other factors, such as whether Ukrainian forces can operate the "sophisticated systems" provided by Western allies and whether they can maintain them. All of those needs must be taken into account when making these decisions.
"But what I can tell you is, we've adapted and adjusted every step along the way, and we'll continue - so not ruling out at this stage. We don't. We never rule out. But when we rule in, we want to make sure it's done in such a way that it can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve," said the Secretary of State.
Background
On September 10, it was announced that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy would visit Ukraine. During this time, Blinken mentioned that on Friday, September 13, US President Joe Biden would meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. One of the topics of their discussion would be granting permission for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike deep into Russian territory.
According to media reports, Blinken is likely to announce during his visit to Kyiv the approval for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike Russia with long-range weapons.
Permission for Ukraine to strike Russian territory
The UK, France, and the US have provided Ukraine with long-range missiles on the condition that they not be used for strikes on Russia. President Zelenskyy has called to lift these restrictions on strikes on Russian airfields, but allies have so far refused, complicating the destruction of carriers of guided aerial bombs that attack civilian objects.
John Kirby stated that the US continues private negotiations with Ukraine on this issue.
Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin added that Russia has moved its tactical aviation out of the range of ATACMS missiles.
