Biden Approves Limited Strikes In Russia For Ukraine: A Strategic Shift

President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to strike targets within Russian territory using American munitions. This authorization, however, is confined to areas near the border close to Kharkiv, where Russia has made significant advances. This development marks a notable change in U.S. policy, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to CNN.

"The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine can use U.S.-supplied weapons for counterfire purposes in Kharkiv, allowing them to respond to Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack," one of the officials said.

This easing of restrictions breaks from the long-standing U.S. policy and comes amid increasing international pressure from close allies. Despite this shift, the permission is restricted to the Kharkiv region, and Ukraine has not sought permission to strike beyond that area. The official added that the U.S. does not anticipate broadening this area of permission.

Politico was the first to report this news.

Kyiv requested this policy change in recent weeks due to Russian advances. Now, Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs across the border from Kharkiv in western Russia can be targeted with U.S.-provided artillery and rockets.

However, the U.S. remains firm in not allowing Ukraine to use its most powerful munitions to strike deep into Russia. The long-range missiles, known as ATACMS, can hit targets up to 200 miles away but are off-limits.

Ukraine has successfully used U.S. anti-aircraft weapons to down imminent threats from Russian aircraft operating in both Ukrainian and Russian airspace. However, the prohibition on targeting aircraft on the ground inside Russia remains.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled a potential shift in the administration's stance this week, noting the U.S. could "adapt and adjust" its position.

"A hallmark of U.S. support for Ukraine has been to adapt as conditions change. As battlefields and Russian strategies evolve, so have we," Blinken said during a visit to Moldova. "I am confident we will continue to do that."

European leaders have also indicated a change in their positions. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, stated that French weapons provided to Ukraine, including long-range missiles, could be used to target bases inside Russia.

"Ukrainian soil is being attacked from bases in Russia," Macron said during a visit to Brandenburg, Germany. "We must allow Ukraine to neutralize the military sites from which these attacks originate."

Chancellor Scholz echoed Macron's sentiments, emphasizing that Ukraine was permitted to defend itself, provided it respected the conditions set by the weapon-supplying countries, including the United States, and adhered to international law.

Initially, the Biden administration's restrictions on firing into Russian territory with U.S. weaponry were based on concerns about escalating the conflict. While those concerns persist, the U.S. altered its stance after Ukraine cited the need to defend Kharkiv, and European allies began shifting their positions. Additionally, NATO leadership quietly urged the U.S. to allow such strikes.

During a visit to Ukraine earlier this month, Blinken heard firsthand the Ukrainian request to target sites inside Russia. He reiterated that the U.S. would ensure Ukraine could deter and defend against future attacks.

"The U.S. is feeling the weight of the argument," said a European diplomat, anticipating a change in U.S. policy.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been urging the U.S. and other nations to provide Ukraine with the capabilities needed to target sites inside Russia. While Stoltenberg's efforts did not initially result in a policy change, he publicly underscored the necessity of allowing Ukraine to defend itself without restrictions.

"To deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves," Stoltenberg said last week.