Biden Authorizes Ukraine to Strike Inside Russian Territory Using US Weapons

President Joe Biden reportedly authorized Ukraine to strike inside Russian territory near the city of Kharkiv using United States-supplied weapons.

Details: U.S. officials have up until now been opposed to Ukraine striking territory inside Russia using U.S.-supplied weapons, fearful of escalating the conflict into a wider war. Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine and sits 19 miles from the nation’s border with Russia. The city has been a key point of conflict throughout the war. Russia took control of the city shortly after it launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but a Ukrainian counteroffensive in late 2023 retook the city. In recent weeks, Russian forces have advanced back toward the city. U.S. officials remain opposed to Ukraine striking deeper into Russia with long-range missiles.

Key Quote: An unnamed U.S. official stated, “The President recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S.-supplied weapons for counter-fire purposes in the Kharkiv region so Ukraine can hit back against Russian forces that are attacking them or preparing to attack them.”

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum are framing the decision as a major reversal in U.S. policy. Coverage from Reuters (Center bias) concluded by stating that Biden “faced the potentially embarrassing prospect that as he hosts a NATO summit in July, Russian forces would be advancing on Kharkiv and in Ukraine's east as the alliance marks its 75th anniversary, analysts said.”