Conflict in Ukraine - US weapon deployment on Russian soil: Biden's greenlight boosts Kharkiv's defense
Now, Kiev can utilize Western-provided weaponry to hit targets on Russian soil. It's important to note that these aren't necessarily weapons belonging to the West or NATO - it's always a specific donor country. The selection of targets, regions, and the extent of those areas are decided bilaterally and kept confidential. The main significance comes from the sign-off by the countries supplying advanced precision instruments, such as the United States.
According to reports from "Politico," citing high-ranking sources, President Biden has instructed his team to enable Ukraine to employ US weapons in the Charkiw region for counter-fire purposes, which would help Ukraine defend against Russian forces attempting to attack or preparing to attack. Long-range assaults within Russia are still forbidden.
Western weapons must take effect across the border
Given the Moscow-led Charkiw operation, this development was "inevitable." This front is along the border with the Russian hinterland, and within 5-10 kilometers behind the combat line, areas that were previously off-limits for many Western weapons have now become targets. Ukraine's USSR-standard weapon stock is depleted, and in many cases, they can't even fight with non-Western armaments. Fighting on equal terms or even gaining an advantage is unrealistic right now. Hisar launchers, ATACAMS rockets, and glide bombs can now strike Russian command centers, deployments, and command bunkers. Air defense systems near the border can impact deep into Russian airspace.
Russia is prepared for counterattacks
Don't expect the same impact as during the initial Hisar launchers deployment. The enemy has made preparations for these barrage attacks. They disperse their troops rather than amassing them at a few strategic points. It's illogical to believe the Russians left their formations behind the border unguarded like in peacetime.
Dara Massicot, a military expert at the "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace," told the "New Yorker" that "so far as I know, they haven't brought any equipment for the Charkiw offensive across the border and left it there. They've kept it elsewhere, beyond the range, and are now transporting it in parts." But they can't hide everything; the railway junction at Rostov is critical for Russian resupply.
The most critical aspect is: At the moment, Ukrainians are significantly outmatched in crucial weapon categories - only by receiving more troops and new weapon systems can this imbalance be addressed. With the "go" from the donor countries, the defenders of Kharkiv receive support. As in Donbass, the Russians primarily rely on their firepower. For instance, Kiev is determined to hold the small town of Woltschansk. Russian bloggers call this area a "Kill Box," whose primary goal isn't to seize the city or cross the small river Wowtscha, but simply to attract and tie up Ukrainian troops in unfavorable terrain, then attack them from a distance. Now, the Ukrainian defenders can try to neutralize the Russian artillery across the border.
This decision could also pave the way for future shifts in the balance of power. Once an influx of Western weapons reaches Ukraine, it might result in a significant change in the military situation. For example, if Kiev acquires a significant number of F-16 fighter jets and they collaborate with the promised surveillance aircraft from Sweden.
