US finalizing authorization for Ukraine to strike deep into Russia - Politico
Photo: US President Joe Biden (Getty Images)
The White House is finalizing a plan to ease some restrictions on the use of US weapons by Ukraine. The discussions, which have been held in a narrow circle, concern the possibility of expanding the territory inside Russia that Ukraine could strike using American and British weapons, Politico reports.
This decision, discussed with Washington, London, and Kyiv, is related to the need to strengthen Ukraine's defense and prevent new attacks from Russia. The talks also concern authorizing the use of British missiles with American components to strike Russia.
Previously, the White House was cautious about expanding the use of long-range weapons by Ukraine, fearing an escalation of the conflict with Moscow. However, in recent days, the issue has become more urgent amid Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia.
The decision to lift the remaining restrictions may be made at a meeting between US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer scheduled for next Friday.
For several months, senior US officials have resisted calls from Kyiv and other European countries to lift all restrictions on the use of donated US weapons in Russia.
In May, the Biden administration decided to allow Ukraine to use certain types of weapons to strike Russia but banned Kyiv from using long-range missiles. Washington's arguments for maintaining the remaining restrictions have wavered between not wanting to escalate tensions with Moscow and the fact that Russia has moved too many of its expensive targets out of range for Ukraine to strike them even if permission were granted.
US officials also note that since the Army is no longer purchasing Army Tactical Missile Systems, its stockpile is limited and approaching the point where the United States would be concerned about its stockpile.
The missile's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, still produces several hundred missiles a year, but they are intended for sale to allies abroad. The replacement for this weapon, the precision strike missile, is just beginning to enter service and not in sufficient numbers to fully replace the missiles that are currently being used up.
Permission to strike deep into Russia
Ukraine receives long-range missiles from the UK, US, and France, but strikes inside Russia are still restricted.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said that the US continues to hold private talks with Ukraine on the issue.
US President Joe Biden is expected to meet soon with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and one of the topics of discussion will be the possibility of the Ukrainian Armed Forces striking deep into Russia.
