White House finalizes plan to ease some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied weapons and improve its ability to defend itself against Russian missiles and strike targets in Russia – Politico
The talks were held in a close circle of a small group of White House officials. The details of the plan are still being discussed, but officials in Washington, London and Kyiv have in recent days considered expanding the area inside Russia that Ukraine could strike with U.S.- and British-made weapons.
They also discussed ways to prevent further cross-border attacks by Russia, including the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use British long-range missiles containing American components to strike Russian territory.
The Biden administration is considering easing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S. weapons to defend itself against Russian attacks. Discussions are centered on expanding the geographic area inside Russia that Ukraine could strike with U.S. and British missiles. The change reflects growing pressure from Kyiv, lawmakers and recent intelligence reports that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia.
Previously, the United States had limited Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles due to concerns about an escalation of the conflict with Russia and limited stockpiles. However, recent talks indicate that this may change, especially with regard to the use of British Storm Shadow missiles, which contain American components, to strike deeper into Russian territory.
This policy adjustment could allow Ukraine to more effectively defend itself and strike at important Russian positions, something that lawmakers from both parties have been pushing for amid Russia’s recent advances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to continue to seek international support during the UN General Assembly, particularly for a potential peace plan to end the war.