The White House is in the final stages of developing a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-donated weapons, potentially allowing Kyiv to strike targets deeper inside Russian territory, according to a Western official and two other individuals familiar with the discussions, as reported by Politico on 11 September.
According to Politico, these talks, which have been closely guarded among a small group of White House officials, signal a significant shift in the Biden administration’s approach to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. The discussions have gained urgency in recent days following the US confirmation that Iran has successfully delivered ballistic missiles to Russia.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan hinted at this potential policy change in a June interview with PBS, stating,
“It is not about geography. It is about common sense. If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back.”
The plan under consideration involves expanding the area inside Russia that Ukraine can target using American and British-made weapons. Additionally, discussions have touched on allowing Ukraine to use UK long-range missiles containing American parts to strike inside Russia, aiming to prevent further cross-border attacks.
When questioned about lifting restrictions on long-range weapons, President Biden told reporters on 12 September,
“We’re working that out now.”
British officials are in talks with the US about approving Ukraine’s use of British Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, which is an expected key issue for Biden’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on 15 September.
Related:
- UK quietly approves Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, US may lift similar restrictions, The Guardian says
- US “incredibly alarmed” by reported Iran missile transfers to Russia, but maintains Ukraine deep strike ban
- Netherlands gives Ukraine green light for Russia deep strikes with Dutch weapons
- UK’s Shapps urges Starmer to let Ukraine strike Russia with Storm Shadows
- Ukraine needs long-range weapons, permission to hit targets deep inside Russia, Zelenskyy says at Ramstein
- ATACMS scarcity influences US ban on Ukraine’s deep strikes inside Russia, Pentagon’s Singh says
- Kirby says US upholds ATACMS missile restrictions for Ukraine, claiming 90% Russian aircraft beyond range
