Ukraine Permitted to Use Western Weapons Against Russian Targets

Germany and the US have granted Ukraine permission to use Western-supplied weapons to strike military targets in Russia, specifically in defense of the Kharkiv region. This decision marks a significant policy shift and has sparked controversy and concerns about escalating the conflict.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that US weapons are having a tangible impact in Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. President Biden has approved the use of some US-supplied weapons near the Russian border, focusing on military sites attacking Kharkiv.

Germany has also pledged a 500 million euro weapons package, including rockets, tanks, ammunition, and spare parts, with Defense Minister Pistorius hinting at the possibility of their use on Russian territory. The decision has garnered support from some NATO allies, though concerns about provoking Russia and potential escalation persist.

Russia has accused NATO and Western nations of encouraging Ukraine to prolong the conflict, warning of dire consequences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed frustration with the delay in US sanctioning the use of long-range weapons against Russia and emphasized the need for powerful weapons to hit deep Russian territory.

The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with a rise in casualties and the advance of Russian forces, leading to calls for stronger military assistance from the West.