Yesterday, the New York Times reported, followed by other outlets, that anonymous US officials revealed the Biden Administration had lifted its ban on Ukraine using ATACMS missiles within Russia. Later, Le Figaro reported that France and the UK had also authorized Ukraine to use their Scalp/Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets. However, Axios noted that Biden's approval applies to Russia's Kursk Oblast, where North Korean troops are deployed, without clarifying if other Russian border regions are currently included in the ATACMS permissions.
According to Sky News, the UK Government spokeswoman said:
"We have been consistent throughout that providing specific details on operational matters would only serve to benefit [Vladimir] Putin during an ongoing illegal war."When asked if the UK would align its stance with the US, she responded:
"It has always been the case we work closely with our allies and engage to ensure that strategically we are providing the support that Ukraine needs."
- Sky News: Ex-NATO official says Biden’s decision to allow strikes deeper in Russia “significant for end game”
- Zelenskyy neither confirms nor denies approval for strikes inside Russia with ATACMS, Storm Shadow
- UK, France permits Ukraine to use long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia, Le Figaro reports
- NYT: Biden allows Ukraine to use US weapons for deep strikes in Russia
