US allows Ukraine to strike Kursk region, but only strategic targets
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh (photo: Getty Images)
US policy permits Ukraine to retaliate to defend itself against Russian attacks originating from the border region of the Sumy region, which includes Russia’s Kursk region. However, the Pentagon is not fully clear on how the Kursk operation aligns with the strategic objectives on the battlefield for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, states Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
Singh confirmed that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to have another conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, in the coming days. This discussion is expected to include the Ukrainian offensive operation in the Kursk region.
The Pentagon spokesperson stated that the US lacked a clear understanding of Kyiv’s objectives in the Kursk operation but referenced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for a buffer zone. According to Singh, establishing such a zone would require constructing several defensive lines, and the Pentagon reportedly has questions about how the Kursk operation aligns with the strategic objectives on the battlefield for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Singh noted that US policy allows Ukraine to retaliate to defend itself from Russian attacks originating from this border region, which includes the Kursk region and the border of the Sumy region. "So they are defending themselves from Russian attacks from these regions," Singh said.
Additionally, Singh announced new US defense aid packages for Ukraine, though she did not provide further details.
Statement from Zelenskyy
On August 18, President Zelenskyy, in a recent video address regarding a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Ukraine’s primary task is to destroy as much Russian potential as possible and to carry out extensive counteroffensive operations. He added that this includes the creation of a buffer zone through the operation in the Kursk region.
Use of American weaponry in the Kursk operation
Today, August 22, The Times reported that Ukrainian forces had used American HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems in the Kursk region.
Later, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk openly confirmed on Telegram that Ukraine had targeted a Russian platoon stronghold in the Kursk region with precision-guided American GBU-39 bombs.
