President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine recently requested that the U.S. allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles in order to protect Ukrainian lives. This request came after the White House confirmed that it had lifted the ban on the use of certain U.S. weapons by Ukraine against Russian territory near Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts. However, Washington still prohibits Ukraine from using ATACMS and other long-range U.S.-supplied weapons for strikes deeper inside Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude to U.S. President Joe Biden for the permission granted, but stressed that the restrictions, including the ban on the use of ATACMS, should be lifted to better defend Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Zelensky highlighted the urgency of allowing Ukraine to strike Russian military airfields, which serve as staging grounds for attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. He pointed out that Russia has around 300 weapon systems loaded with tens of thousands of missiles deployed on its side of the border, posing a significant threat to Ukraine. In response to Washington’s decision to lift some restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons by Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized the need for additional permissions to effectively deter Russian attacks. The issue of Western allies’ ban on Ukraine attacking Russia using their weapons has become a focal point following Russia’s deployment in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast in May, where Moscow was able to prepare for operations without significant Ukrainian opposition.
In recent days, there have been reports suggesting that the U.S. has adjusted its policy regarding Ukraine’s use of foreign-supplied arms to target Russia. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. had permitted Ukraine to use HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, GMLRS rockets, and artillery against Russian territory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at the possibility of Washington allowing Ukraine to hit targets beyond the current limitations in the future. Blinken stated that the U.S. would continue to adapt and adjust its approach as necessary. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated further with Russia launching a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine on June 1. This attack resulted in significant damage to energy infrastructure in various regions across Ukraine.
Zelensky’s plea for expanded permission to use U.S. weapons against Russian targets underscores the critical need for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. The conflict between the two countries has intensified, as evidenced by Russia’s recent large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, which inflicted damage on critical energy infrastructure. The lifting of some restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons by Ukraine indicates a shift in the U.S. policy towards supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian threats. Zelensky’s call for the removal of remaining restrictions, including the ban on using ATACMS missiles, reflects the ongoing struggle for Ukraine to receive the necessary support to counter Russian actions. The role of Western allies, particularly the U.S., in empowering Ukraine to defend itself against Russian attacks continues to be a pressing issue in the ongoing conflict.
