Washington DC

President Joe Biden has given the nod to Ukraine to use American weapons to strike targets within Russian territory, though with restrictions. 

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Kyiv is allowed to target areas just over the border near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advances around this northeastern city, which is close to the Russian border, according to two US officials who spoke with CNN.

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“The president recently directed his team to make sure that Ukraine is able to use US supplied-weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them,” one of the officials said.

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The easing of restrictions represents a departure from long-standing policy and occurs amid increasing international pressure from close US allies. But it is limited to the area around Kharkiv, and Ukraine has not requested permission beyond that, the official said, adding that they do not anticipate the US widening the area allowed.

Politico was first to report the news.

Kyiv made urged Washington to change its policy in just the past few weeks as Russian forces have made their advance, the official said. 

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Russian forces, ammunitions depots and logistical hubs can now be targeted with US-provided artillery and rockets across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia.

Also read: France, Germany back Ukraine's use of western weapons on Russian soil

The administration remains firm in barring Ukraine from using its most powerful munitions to strike Russia: the long-range ATACMS missiles, which can hit targets up to 200 miles (or 300 kilometres) away.

Ukraine has been allowed to use US anti-aircraft weapons to take down the Russian aircraft flying in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace, the first official emphasised. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly signalled a willingness to change the administration’s tact this week when he noted that the US could “adapt and adjust” its position.

France and Germany support Ukraine's use of western weapons

France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be permitted to use their weaponry against targets inside Russia from which Moscow attacks Ukraine.

While addressing the media, alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday (May 28), French President Emmanuel Macron outlined that French weapons supplied to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, were permitted to strike targets within Russia.

The issue is a controversial one, with fears from Western leaders that if their weaponry is used to strike inside Russia, it would escalate the violence and trigger a wider war involving NATO.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repetitively asked permission from his allies to expand the usage of the provided weapons to strike inside Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)