U.S. broadens permits for arming Ukraine in conflict
The U.S. is tightening the rules on how American weaponry can be used in Ukraine. There's talk about giving Ukraine the green light to fire rockets into Russian territory, specifically to protect Charkiw. This idea was previously on the table, but the White House showed solidarity after a while.
As per Pentagon declarations, Ukraine is now allowed to use rockets with extended range, provided by the U.S., to strike Russian targets beyond the eastern border at Charkiw, if it aids self-defense. President Joe Biden loosened restrictions on the use of U.S.-supplied ammo in late May to help Ukraine defend the eastern city of Charkiw against Russian shelling.
Russia is firing on Ukrainian targets from its own land and views its territory as a "safe zone," stated General Major Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary. Consequently, "we have informed Ukraine that they have the right to respond," Ryder told the press. The Pentagon declared that these extra authorizations are not anew policy.
Current events regarding the Ukraine conflict can be found in our live update.
"It's not about location, it's about logic," said Army spokesman Charlie Dietz. Moreover, Ukraine can utilize the U.S.-supplied air defense systems to shoot down Russian planes, "even if these planes are in Russian airspace, if they are heading to shoot in the Ukrainian airspace," Dietz elaborated.
Since Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. had previously prohibited Kiev from using weapons given by them against targets in Russia, fearing a further intensification of the war. Plus, the White House announced on Thursday that they were expediting the delivery of missile defense systems to Ukraine by reallocating planned deliveries to other alliance countries. The U.S. is worried about counteracting the growing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
