President Biden Allows Ukraine to Strike Inside Russian Territory with American Munitions, CNN Reports

President Joe Biden has given permission to Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory with American munitions, according to two US officials who spoke to CNN. The decision comes after Russia made significant advances around the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, near the Russian border.

The restrictions on the use of US-supplied weapons have been loosened, allowing Ukraine to hit targets over the border close to Kharkiv. This marks a break from long-standing policy and follows growing international pressure from US allies. However, the permission is limited to the area around Kharkiv, and Ukraine has not requested permission beyond that.

Kyiv made the request for the policy change in response to Russian forces’ recent advances. The new permission allows Ukraine to target Russian forces, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs in western Russia with US-provided artillery and rockets.

Despite the loosening of restrictions, Ukraine is still prohibited from using its most formidable munition, the long-range missiles known as ATACMS, to strike into Russia. The administration is also standing firm on not allowing Ukraine to target Russian aircraft on the ground inside Russia.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.