May 30th 2024.
President Joe Biden has recently made a decision to partially lift the ban on Ukraine's use of US arms in strikes against Russian territory. This move comes as Russia continues to make advances on the battlefield and other European countries urge the US to allow Ukraine to defend itself using American weapons.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Mr. Biden has been hesitant to allow Ukraine to use American-made weaponry offensively, out of concern that it may escalate the conflict and provoke Moscow to widen the war. However, after a recent attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, US officials have started to reconsider this policy.
According to Politico, two US officials, who wish to remain anonymous, have stated that the policy remains the same, with Ukraine being advised not to use long-range missiles and other munitions provided by the US to strike inside Russia. However, Ukraine has been pleading with the US to change this policy and allow them to defend themselves against attacks coming from Russian territory.
Last week, rocket strikes hit the village of Mala Danilivka in the Kharkiv district, and earlier this month, a body was discovered among the rubble of a construction hypermarket in Kharkiv. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injuries to 38 others.
One Democratic lawmaker has expressed frustration with the current policy, stating that Russia has been able to use this restriction to their advantage. They also believe that there is a consensus among lawmakers that allowing Ukraine to strike targets across the border would have real military value.
In an open letter, a group of House Republicans and Democrats shared their concerns about the current policy, stating that it has allowed the Kremlin to attack Ukraine from Russian territory without consequence. While the restrictions have been partially lifted, they only apply to forces defending the Kharkiv area.
Despite the lifting of some restrictions, tensions in the region remain high. Last month, Congress approved over $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine and delivered long-range missiles to Kyiv for the first time. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has hinted at a possible change in policy, stating that the US will continue to evolve its approach towards Ukraine as needed.
Russia's attempts to take control of Kharkiv have intensified in recent weeks, with Putin's forces seizing a village near the city as part of a larger push into Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the situation in Kharkiv is especially tense, with street battles erupting in several border villages. As Kharkiv is located just 25 miles from the Russian border, the situation remains a cause for concern.
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