Biden boosts Kiev's optimism over potential weapon authorizations
For a while now, Ukraine has been seeking permission to strike Russian military installations using advanced weaponry from the West. Recently, there have been hints from U.S. President Joe Biden and his Secretary of State that something may be in the works on this front. Additionally, powerful Republicans in Congress are pushing for this approval.
In response to a journalist's question, Biden suggested that they're considering the possibility. However, the timeline is uncertain as the U.S. is still evaluating some technical aspects before delivery can take place.
Likewise, Blinken, in an interview with Sky News, didn't dismiss the idea entirely. He hinted that Biden might permit Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, given that Blinken is scheduled to visit Kyiv on Wednesday. Blinken's remarks came following a press conference in London, where he mentioned that Iran had supplied Russia with short-range rockets, which Moscow might use against Ukraine soon.
Meanwhile, influential Republicans in the U.S. Congress are pressing Biden for a decision on weapon approval. They argue that it's past time for the government to lift restrictions on the use of U.S.-supplied weapons against valid military targets in Russia, as suggested in a letter to the U.S. President. The letter is signed by notable figures like Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Ongoing Attacks on Ukrainian Infrastructure
So far, the U.S. has primarily used its weapons to defend against Russia's offensive on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Ukraine has been seeking permission for months to strike targets beyond the Russian border with long-range weapons from U.S. production. This would enable them to target Russian military airfields, from which jets launch guided bombs or fire missiles, reaching as far as major cities like Kharkiv and Ukrainian frontline trenches.
The ATACMS missiles currently supplied by Washington have a range of around 300 kilometers. However, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin admitted recently in Ramstein that the Russian military had moved its combat aircraft to other, more distant airfields some time ago. So far, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has refused to provide Ukraine with the Taurus cruise missile, which has a range of 500 kilometers and could potentially reach Moscow.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again requested permission to use Western long-range weapons against Russian territory last Friday at a meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group in Ramstein. Austin expressed reservations in response.
If the U.S. approves Ukraine's request, it could potentially lead to accusations of war crimes, as striking Russian territory would violate international law. Moreover, the use of advanced weaponry could escalate the conflict further, leading to unforeseen consequences.
