Ukraine recently launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, using high-precision US glide bombs to strike at Russian forces. The Ukrainian military claims to have recaptured territory in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv that has been under a Russian offensive since spring. Despite opposition from many international allies, Ukraine argues that its actions are essentially defensive, aimed at creating a buffer zone to minimize attacks on Ukrainian soil. Both Ukrainian and US officials have defended the use of donated weapons in these attacks, with US President Joe Biden announcing a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine.
US officials have stated that Washington supports Ukraine’s use of shorter-range weapons like glide bombs in its attacks across the border, although longer-range ATACMS missiles have been restricted from use deep into Russia. The US has maintained near-daily contact with Ukrainian counterparts and has clarified that US-provided material can be used for defensive purposes against Russian aggression. However, the long-term success of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk remains unclear. The Russian Defence Ministry has reported turning back Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
In response to Russia’s ongoing war effort in Ukraine, the United States has imposed a fresh round of sanctions on over 400 entities and individuals supporting Russia’s military activities. This includes sanctions on Chinese companies believed to be assisting Russia in bypassing Western sanctions and bolstering its military capabilities. Washington has previously warned Beijing on its support for Russia’s defence industrial base and has issued numerous sanctions targeting technology used for military purposes. The recent sanctions package also targets Chinese companies involved in shipping machine tools and microelectronics to Russia, in an effort to restrict Moscow’s ability to exploit certain technologies for military gain.
Despite opposition from some international allies, Ukraine continues to defend its use of donated weapons in its defensive operations against Russian forces. The country’s recent incursion into the Kursk region has led to clashes and recaptured territory, with the Ukrainian military utilizing US-supplied glide bombs for precision strikes. The United States has reiterated its support for Ukraine’s defensive actions, providing additional military aid to bolster the country’s capabilities. However, the situation remains tenuous, with ongoing conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces in the region. The imposition of new sanctions on entities supporting Russia’s military efforts underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict.
