Biden's approval for Ukraine to target Russian sites with US arms angers Moscow.

President Joe Biden has lifted restrictions on Ukraine using US weapons within Russian territory to aid in defending its northeastern Kharkiv region from attacks. Several US officials, speaking anonymously to various media outlets, disclosed on Thursday that Kyiv would be permitted to deploy these weapons along the border of the Kharkiv region, which has recently faced renewed Russian aggression. This policy shift by Biden, which has unsurprisingly irked Kremlin officials, represents a departure from his previous stance of not allowing the use of US weapons beyond Ukraine's borders. It coincides with indications from France and other European nations that Ukraine would be permitted to utilize their weaponry against military targets within Russia.

Under this authorization, Kyiv will be able to target military objectives on the border of the Kharkiv region, where Russia has advanced into several villages since May 10, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents. According to a US official, Biden directed his team to enable Ukraine to employ US-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region, allowing them to retaliate against Russian forces. This change, initially reported by Politico, comes amidst escalating tensions, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning of "serious consequences" and stressing Russia's nuclear capabilities in response to the relaxation of Western policies.

In the face of these warnings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for his country's allies to permit the use of their longer-range weaponry to target Russian positions. The Biden administration's decision marks a significant shift, praised by experts like Alexander Vindman and David Des Roches, who see it as empowering Ukraine to defend itself effectively. However, the US will continue to restrict Ukraine from using certain long-range weapons for attacks deep inside Russia, as Moscow reinforces its military presence along the Kharkiv region's border.