AGS NEWS – US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to conduct strikes within Russian territory using US-supplied munitions, eliciting strong criticism from Russia.

However, Biden’s approval comes with restrictions, permitting Ukraine to target areas near Kharkiv, following significant Russian advancements in the northeastern region near the Russian border, as confirmed by two US officials.

One official stated, “The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine can use US-supplied weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them.”

This policy shift responds to mounting international pressure from key US allies urging support for Ukraine.

The approval is confined to the Kharkiv area, and no further requests have been made by Ukraine, according to the official, who added that the US does not anticipate expanding the permitted area.

The request for this policy change came from Kyiv in recent weeks as Russian forces continued their advance.

With this authorization, Ukrainian forces can target Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia using US-provided artillery and rockets.