White House responds to rumors on allowing Ukraine to launch ATACMS at Russia
Photo: Jon Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor (Getty Images)
The White House has not yet directly confirmed permitting Ukraine to strike Russian territory with ATACMS missiles. Such rumors had previously emerged in the media, according to Jon Finer, Biden’s Deputy National Security Advisor.
In the context of rumors about lifting restrictions for Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia, Finer reminded that the US had promised to respond to the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the war on Russia's side.
“If there are circumstances that evolve and change, you know, we will evolve and change to meet them and to allow the Ukrainians to continue to defend their territory and their sovereignty,” Finer said.
Rumors about ATACMS
The US provides Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles as part of its military aid. However, the supply was made on the condition that Ukrainian defenders would not strike at Russian territory with such missiles.
On November 17, The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden had authorized Ukraine to attack Russian territory using ATACMS.
The agency's sources clarified that the missiles could initially be used for defense against the enemy in the Kursk region, where both Russian and North Korean soldiers are currently stationed.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that an ATACMS strike on Russia could take place in the coming days.
