The US government has permitted Ukraine to use American weapons to attack targets inside Russia near the Kharkiv region. This is an important change from before.
Here are the key points:
- Ukraine can now hit Russian military targets across the border
- But only in a limited area around the city of Kharkiv
- The US is still controlling how Ukraine uses American weapons
- This permission came after pressure from allies like NATO
Why does this policy change matter? Keep reading to find out.
US Loosens Restrictions on Ukraine
For a long time, the US banned Ukraine from using American weapons to strike inside Russia’s borders. This restriction limited what Ukrainian forces could do to defend against Russian attacks. The new policy allows some cross-border strikes but with strict rules.
“The United States is still trying to control how much the conflict spreads,” said Keir Giles, a Russia expert. “Some see this as too little, too late from the US.”
The NATO Secretary General had urged lifting restrictions before a recent meeting. Giles said this added moral pressure on the US to act.
Why the Caution from Washington?
American officials have been very careful about escalating the war with Russia. Their big worry is provoking a nuclear response from Moscow. However, experts say there is no real evidence Russia would actually use nuclear weapons.
It confirms the US only moves after Ukrainian deaths, Giles stated bluntly. He argued the restrictions caused unnecessary losses for Ukraine.
Other allies, such as Poland and the Baltic states, have been calling on Washington to remove the restraints. These front-line nations feel they have the most to lose yet are the most vocal about disregarding Russia’s nuclear threats.
Is a Broader Shift Coming?
Giles predicted this is likely the start of a broader relaxation by the US and its partners on arming Ukraine. Other nations like Britain have already faced fewer limits.
“It’s not just the United States that this affects,” he noted.
Beyond loosening restrictions, the latest US move could help offset recent Russian gains. Moscow’s new Kharkiv offensive threatened key Ukrainian defenses after supplies briefly stalled.
But Giles said reports of Ukraine’s struggles lagged behind reality. Ukrainian forces have reportedly stalled Russia’s Kharkiv push, though at great cost.
Shaking Up the Russian Military
Meanwhile, Russia’s military has undergone a major shakeup since the invasion last year. Giles said it’s now a different armyโlarger but relying on aging Soviet stockpiles.
There have been reports of Russian commanders being fired as Moscow tries to remake its defense leadership. Hardline military bloggers are shaping Russia’s war strategy.
Putin is mobilizing Russia’s economy for total war. But Giles warned the Russian president likely won’t stop conquering Ukraine.
“European security is under threat and needs to be defended,” he stated, “but so few countries recognize what is required.”
So, while the new US policy helps Ukraine’s defenses temporarily, Giles and other experts believe far broader action is needed from America and its allies. Will they heed those warnings before it’s too late?
