New rules allow Ukraine to use allied weapons on Russian soil

Business Insider carries an article about new regulations allowing Ukraine to use allied-supplied weapons against targets in Russia which are set to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the much-anticipated F-16 fighter jets, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

New regulations from Ukraine's allies permitting the use of supplied weapons against targets in Russia are set to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets, which are expected to arrive this summer. Experts believe this policy shift will provide Ukraine with a critical advantage in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

George Barros, a Russian military expert at the US-based Institute for the Study of War, explained that the new rules will make the F-16s much more impactful. Initially, Barros viewed the F-16s as a "mixed bag" due to Russia's superior air force and extensive air defense network. However, the ability to target Russian soil has shifted his perspective to one of cautious optimism.

Until recently, Ukraine was restricted by its allies from using supplied weaponry to strike Russian territory, a limitation that allowed Russia to gather troops and launch attacks from safe positions across the border. This restriction was widely criticized by analysts, who argued it left Ukraine at a significant disadvantage. The policy change in May has now removed this constraint, allowing Ukraine to hit targets within Russia.

Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and former Royal Australian Air Force officer, emphasized that for F-16s to be most effective, Russian air defenses need to be neutralized. The new rules permitting strikes on Russian air defenses are thus a major strategic benefit.

Despite the potential for increased effectiveness, Barros noted that Ukraine is likely to have too few F-16s this summer to create an immediate large-scale impact. However, he believes that over time, the increased capabilities could "cascade into a large effect."

Ukraine's President has also called for further relaxation of restrictions on the use of long-range weapons to target Russian military sites. Although the US has lifted some limitations, it still prohibits Ukraine from using long-range munitions to strike deep within Russian territory where some of Russia's most powerful long-range weaponry is based.

As the conflict continues, the new permissions and the arrival of F-16s represent a significant shift in Ukraine's strategic capabilities, potentially altering the dynamics of the war with Russia.