In a recent development, the US has expanded its agreement with Ukraine to allow strikes over the border inside Russian territory wherever Russian forces are engaging in cross-border attacks into Ukraine, not just limited to the Kharkiv region as previously determined. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan revealed the information during an interview with PBS News, emphasizing that the agreement extends to any location where Russian forces are attempting to invade Ukrainian territory.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Charlie Dietz confirmed that the US has granted permission for Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike into Russia wherever Russian forces are coming from to try and seize Ukrainian territory. This decision was justified by Dietz as a countermeasure to Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
While there was initially confusion over the scope of the agreement, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder clarified that the policy always intended to allow Ukraine to conduct cross-border counterstrikes when necessary. This clarification came after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin suggested that the policy was limited to the Kharkiv region.
The recent change in policy marks a significant shift in the agreement between the US and Ukraine. President Joe Biden had previously given permission for limited strikes inside Russia with US-provided weapons, but now the agreement extends to various regions where Russian forces are crossing the border into Ukraine.
The decision to expand the agreement was supported by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized Ukraine’s right to strike military targets on Russian territory for self-defense. Stoltenberg also highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in defending themselves against Russian aggression.
In another aspect of the agreement, the US has confirmed that Ukraine can use their air defense systems to shoot down Russian planes if they pose a threat, even if they are not necessarily in Ukrainian airspace. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reaffirmed this stance, stating that Ukraine has the right to defend themselves against any impending threats from Russian aircraft.
