In a significant shift in U.S. policy, President Joe Biden has partially lifted the ban on Ukraine’s use of American weapons in strikes on Russian territory, according to senior U.S. officials. This change is specifically targeted to defend the Kharkiv region, which has faced increased aggression from Russian forces.
The move marks a notable response to escalating calls from Ukrainian leaders for greater autonomy in their defence efforts. While the partial lifting of the ban allows Ukraine to utilize American-supplied weapons for defensive measures in Kharkiv, it stops short of permitting offensive strikes deep into Russian territory. U.S. officials emphasised that Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles and other munitions against Russia remains restricted to defensive operations.
