Biden to let Ukraine use US weapons to strike Russia: How will this change the war?

The United States has authorised Ukraine to use American-made weapons for strikes within Russian territory, specifically targeting forces involved in Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. This decision, approved by President Joe Biden, marks a departure from Washington’s previous stance. We look at the reason behind this policy change and whether it will have a significant impact on the war.

The decision and conditions attached

Biden’s recent decision allows Ukraine to use some of the American-made weapons it is receiving as military aid to strike Russian territories. The condition is that Ukraine can only use these advanced weapons on troops directly involved in the offensive in Kharkiv.

This move enables Ukraine to use weapons such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for deeper and more effective strikes. However, restrictions on the use of long-range weapons, such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) inside Russia, remain in place.

In addition to the US, European allies have pledged increased support for Ukraine. France is reportedly considering sending military trainers, and Western nations are working to boost artillery production and procurement to sustain Ukraine’s defence efforts. This collective support aims to bolster Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian advances and protect its territory.

Why the restrictions were initially in place

Initially, the US imposed strict limitations on Ukraine’s use of American weapons to avoid direct confrontation with Russia and prevent the conflict from expanding. The fear was that strikes within Russian territory could provoke a broader war, drawing NATO and the US into direct military conflict with Moscow.

However, the dynamics of the war have compelled a reassessment of this policy. Russia’s aggressive moves in Kharkiv and their use of powerful weaponry against civilian targets have intensified the urgency for Ukraine to respond more robustly. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have argued that the restrictions hampered their ability to counter Russian offensives effectively.

The US administration, after consulting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other allies, decided to refine its approach to balance support for Ukraine while managing the risks of escalation.

Mounting pressure from both Ukrainian officials and international allies was partially responsible for the change in Washington’s policy. Kyiv has argued that it is unfair to restrict their use of US weapons while Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Allies like the UK, Germany, France, and NATO Secretary General had echoed these sentiments, advocating for Ukraine’s right to defend itself fully.

Current situation in Russia-Ukraine war

As of late May, the Russian military has been transferring additional regiments and brigades to northern Kharkiv Oblast, specifically around Strilecha-Lyptsi and Vovchansk, according to Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Despite these reinforcements, Russian forces reportedly lack the strength to launch a full-scale offensive capable of breaking through Ukrainian defences, according to Institute for the Study of War.

Ukrainian officials have noted that Russian forces aim to fix Ukrainian troops in the north and maintain their offensive momentum. Since early May, Russia has deployed over 30,000 ground troops from the Belgorod region, seizing several villages and destroying Vovchansk in an attempt to create a buffer zone.

Russia’s strategy includes using warplanes, glide bombs, missiles, and heavy artillery to bombard Kharkiv city and surrounding areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties. This escalation has prompted the US to reconsider its restrictions and offer more substantial support to Ukraine.

Expected impact on the war

The authorisation for Ukraine to use HIMARS and other American-made weapons for strikes within Russian territory is expected to have several implications for the war. Firstly, it enhances Ukraine’s ability to target and neutralise Russian artillery, multiple rocket systems, UAV teams, and command posts, potentially disrupting Russian operations and reducing the pressure on Ukrainian defences in Kharkiv.

Rob Lee, a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Research Institute’s Eurasia program, told Financial Times that while the change might not immediately alter the frontline dynamics, it will complicate Russia’s offensive efforts. By enabling more effective strikes at greater depths, Ukraine can better defend Kharkiv and possibly slow down Russian advancements.

The Biden administration believes that the resumption of US armed supplies, coupled with improved defensive strategies, has already slowed Russian progress. With the new policy, officials hope to halt the offensive entirely, giving Ukraine a stronger position to repel Russian forces and protect its sovereignty.

The US decision to allow Ukraine to use American-made weapons for strikes within Russian territory marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. By providing Ukraine with the means to more effectively counter Russian offensives, the US and its allies aim to bolster Ukraine’s defense and deter further Russian aggression. As the war continues to evolve, this policy shift underscores the international community’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

With inputs from agencies