State Department clarifies if US stance on strikes against Russia changed after Ukraine got F-16 jets
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department (photo: Getty Images)
Washington will make decisions on the use of American weapons provided to Ukraine and any imposed restrictions on strikes within Russian territory based on the situation on the battlefield, states US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing.
In response to a journalist's question about the US imposition of taboos on Ukrainian strikes within Russian territory, the American official confirmed that the US stance remains unchanged, even after Ukraine received its first batch of F-16 fighter jets from Western partners.
Regarding the potential expansion of permissions for the Ukrainian military to target military sites deeper inside Russia, Miller noted that his answer has not changed.
"My answer has not changed today, which is we constantly look at the needs of the Ukrainian military, we assess the security situation, and we try to be responsive to their needs," said the State Department spokesperson.
He added that this process has been ongoing from the beginning and continues today.
"And that is a process that we have undergone from the beginning, and we make that process both – or we make those determinations both when it comes to these specific weapons that we provide Ukraine and the restrictions, if any, that we put on the use of those weapons," Miller stated.
However, the State Department spokesperson did not provide a clear answer on the issue of expanding Western partners' and NATO members' capabilities to intercept Russian missiles targeting Ukraine.
He remarked that such decisions must be made collectively by NATO members.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory
Previously, the US allowed Ukraine to use provided weaponry to strike within Russian territory, but only along the border. Washington has not lifted the established taboo on attacks deeper into Russia.
According to analysts at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the US has permitted Ukraine to strike only those Russian units and facilities that are preparing to attack Ukraine or Ukrainian positions or are already conducting such attacks.
It was earlier reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeatedly urged the West to allow Ukrainian forces to carry out strikes deeper into Russian territory using the provided weapons, specifically targeting airfields from which Russian invaders launch attacks on Ukraine.
In July, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov explained why US permission for strikes deeper into Russia would not escalate the conflict.
Additionally, on August 4, President Zelenskyy showcased the first F-16 aircraft received by Ukraine. These aircraft are equipped with the most advanced technology. For more details on how many fighter jets are needed to secure the skies, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
