Ukraine has conducted strikes inside Russia using U.S.-supplied weapons for the first time, targeting a Russian air defense system in the Belgorod region. This significant escalation, authorized by President Joe Biden, is aimed at protecting Kharkiv from intensified Russian attacks. The strikes were reportedly carried out with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and have sparked a strong response from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The confirmation of the strikes comes amid increased pressure from Ukrainian officials for the U.S. to permit the use of American arms for defensive measures. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, is just 20 kilometers from the Russian border and has faced relentless attacks. Senator Mike Rounds confirmed the U.S. weapon strikes in Russia, though he did not disclose his source.
The decision to allow U.S. weapons to be used in this manner is part of a broader strategy by President Biden to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack. This directive, however, does not change the U.S. policy that restricts Ukraine from using American-provided long-range missiles for offensive operations inside Russia.
Russia's response has been swift and assertive. At a meeting with heads of international news agencies during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), President Putin announced that Russia is considering "asymmetric" measures against Ukraine's Western sponsors. Putin emphasized that while Ukrainian troops are pulling the trigger, it is the U.S. and its allies providing the intelligence and targeting information.
"We have no illusions in this regard," Putin said. He warned that Russia would bolster its air defenses and destroy any incoming missiles. Moreover, Putin suggested that Russia might supply similar weapons to other regions where they could be used against sensitive sites in Western countries. Such actions, he cautioned, could severely damage international relations and undermine global security.
Putin also highlighted the presence of NATO military instructors and advisers in Ukraine, some of whom have been killed in Russian strikes. He criticized the West's narrative that providing weapons to Ukraine does not equate to being a party to the conflict, noting that this stance has become increasingly untenable as the conflict escalates.
The U.S. and its allies have maintained restrictions on the use of supplied weapons to avoid being perceived as directly involved in the conflict. However, as Russian forces advanced towards Kharkiv, Ukraine demanded the relaxation of these rules. A British-led pressure campaign resulted in Washington granting Ukraine the leeway it sought.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. The use of U.S. weapons in strikes inside Russia marks a new phase in the war, with potential global ramifications as both sides escalate their actions and rhetoric.
