Breaking News: US Authorizes Ukrainian Forces to Use American Weapons to Target Russian Territory.

In an online press briefing held on June 19, 2024, Ambassador Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, clarified the specifics of the U.S. security agreement with Ukraine. This agreement explicitly permits Kyiv to deploy American-supplied weapons to target Russian positions across the border, particularly in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
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The American-made HIMARS rocket launcher systems donated by the U.S. to Ukraine are able to fire ATCMS missiles with a range of up to 300 km. (Picture source: Ukrainian army)

The confirmation follows a statement made by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during an interview with PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) the previous night. Sullivan indicated that the U.S. has given Ukraine the green light to retaliate against Russian military installations situated just across their shared border.

Ambassador Carpenter elaborated on this policy during the briefing, emphasizing its strategic rationale. "We've been pretty clear that this rule of engagement allows Ukrainians to fire back on those Russian positions just across the border in the Kharkiv region but also in the Sumy region," Carpenter stated. "This is designed to prevent Russia from having a de facto sanctuary on its side of the border from which it is attacking Ukrainian territory and Ukrainian military posts on the Ukrainian side of the border."

The policy is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the U.S.'s support for Ukraine's defensive measures against Russian aggression. Carpenter underscored that this approach aims to curb Russian military advantages and ensure that their proximity to the border does not grant them an unchecked ability to launch attacks on Ukrainian soil.

The decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian positions near the border reflects an evolving strategy in the conflict, underscoring the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This move is expected to have significant implications for the conflict dynamics, potentially escalating the military engagements in these border regions.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has significantly bolstered Ukraine's defensive capabilities with the provision of various long-range weapons, mainly focusing on artillery and missile systems. Among the most impactful are the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and M777 155mm towed howitzers.

The HIMARS rocket/missile launcher systems, a key part of the U.S. military support, are not just notable for their precision and extended range. They are a game-changer, enabling Ukrainian forces to accurately target Russian positions from substantial distances. With the ability to launch multiple rockets up to 70 kilometers (about 43 miles), these systems provide a critical advantage in conducting counteroffensive operations against Russian military assets, reassuring our audience about Ukraine's enhanced capabilities.

Additionally, the M777 howitzers have enhanced Ukraine's artillery capabilities. These advanced artillery pieces can deliver highly accurate fire on enemy positions up to 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) away. The M777 howitzers combine mobility with precision, making them crucial to Ukraine's efforts to defend its territory and push back against Russian advances.

Moreover, the United States has also delivered ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) to Ukraine. These long-range missile systems have significantly extended Ukraine's reach, with a range of up to 320 kilometers (about 200 miles). The ATACMS can strike high-value and strategically important targets deep within enemy territory, disrupting supply lines, command and control centers, and other critical infrastructure. The inclusion of ATACMS in Ukraine's arsenal provides a substantial upgrade to its long-range strike capabilities, enabling precise attacks far beyond the immediate front lines.

Overall, the delivery of these long-range weapon systems, including the HIMARS, M777 howitzers, and ATACMS, has been a cornerstone of U.S. military support to Ukraine. This assistance has significantly strengthened Ukraine's ability to conduct effective defensive and offensive operations against Russian forces, helping to alter the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine's favor.