Biden Allows Limited Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Territory
The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden has given Ukraine approval to use American weapons to carry out limited strikes on Russian territory, green-lighting a change of policy that was previously ruled out over fears it would drag the US into direct confrontation with Russia.
Coming after days of pressure to relax the rules that had been in place, the change of policy was not publicly announced. Rather, it was briefed to reporters at multiple outlets by US officials who spoke on the condition on anonymity.
The Spin
This decision, which applies only in the areas near Kharkiv, only enables Ukraine to strike Russian troops as they attack or prepare to attack, and will help Ukraine better defend itself. There is no change in the broader policy of not permitting strikes on non-military sites as well as targets deep inside of Russia.
This is a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Russia has no choice but to eliminate these long-range weapons, in addition to the NATO personnel required to operate them, which will inevitably lead to NATO countries invoking Article 5 on collective defense. A global war is all-but inevitable after this reckless move on the part of the US.
