President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia could supply long-range weapons to other countries to strike Western targets, in response to the West's delivery of similar arms to Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in St Petersburg, Putin questioned why Russia should not have the right to supply weapons if others are doing so to attack Russian territory.
His comments followed confirmation from US Senator Mike Rounds and a Western official that Ukraine has used US-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia. The strikes were permitted under recently approved guidance from President Joe Biden, allowing American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which lies just 20km from the Russian border.
Biden's directive permits US weapons to target Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack, but does not authorise the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) or other long-range munitions for offensive strikes inside Russia. Germany has also authorised Ukraine to hit targets on Russian soil with its long-range weapons, a move Putin called a 'dangerous step' that would damage relations between Berlin and Moscow.
According to a 3 June report from the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian forces likely struck a Russian S-300/400 air defence battery in the Belgorod region on 1 or 2 June using a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The system was located about 60km from the frontline and over 80km from Kharkiv, within HIMARS range.
Putin also addressed the case of detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, stating that the US administration is taking 'energetic steps' to secure his release but that such matters can only be resolved on the basis of reciprocity. He confirmed ongoing talks with US intelligence agencies, which he said must be conducted in 'silence'. Gershkovich, 32, has been held in Moscow's Lefortovo prison since March 2023 on espionage charges, which he and the US deny.
