In a significant escalation of Western support, the Pentagon has officially sanctioned Ukraine to utilise advanced American missile systems for strikes on Russian territory. This pivotal decision marks a dramatic departure from previous constraints and empowers Ukrainian forces to target Russian military assets at their launch points.
A Strategic Shift in US Policy
The new authorisation, confirmed by US officials, permits the use of US-supplied weapons for "counter-fire" missions within Russia. This specifically allows Ukrainian forces to engage Russian units that are actively attacking or preparing to attack Ukraine from across the border.
This long-debated move is seen as a direct response to the relentless Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, which was launched from safe havens just inside Russia. Until now, restrictions had prevented Ukraine from hitting these critical staging areas with the most effective Western weaponry.
The Weapons at Ukraine's Disposal
The policy shift primarily covers the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which have been supplied by the US in both medium-range and longer-range variants. These missiles enable precise strikes on command centres, logistics hubs, and massed forces far behind the front lines.
This capability is expected to disrupt Russia's ability to conduct complex operations and force its military to disperse assets, thereby reducing the intensity of attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Balancing Escalation and Necessity
Washington has been cautious, fearing that authorising deep strikes could provoke a wider war with a nuclear-armed Russia. However, the increasing pressure from the battlefield and from European allies, who have already lifted their own restrictions, ultimately forced a reassessment.
US officials were quick to clarify the limits of this new authorisation. It is strictly for "counter-fire" purposes in the Kharkiv sector and does not constitute a blanket approval for strikes anywhere in Russia. The use of long-range missiles for strategic targets deep inside Russia, such as Moscow or St. Petersburg, remains prohibited.
International Reactions and the Road Ahead
The decision has been met with starkly different reactions. Kyiv and its European partners have hailed it as a necessary step for Ukraine's defence. Moscow, however, has condemned it as a provocative and escalatory move, promising retaliation.
This development signals a new chapter in the war, where the front line is increasingly blurred. The effectiveness of this policy will now be tested on the battlefield, as Ukraine seeks to leverage its new-found reach to halt Russia's advances and protect its vulnerable territory.
