White House confirms no authorization for Ukrainian strikes deep into Russia

Following a recent meeting between US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the White House has clarified that it has not authorized the Ukrainian Armed Forces to carry out strikes on Russian territory with US weapons. 

This clarification emerged from the final statement issued after the high-level discussions, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media. 

The joint statement from the leaders focused on their continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The document emphasized the steadfast backing of both the US and the UK for Ukraine’s defence efforts but did not address any decision regarding the use of Western-supplied missiles for attacks within Russian borders.

The statement highlighted that President Biden and Prime Minister Starmer engaged in comprehensive discussions on various foreign policy issues, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. However, the issue of authorizing strikes deep into Russia using Western weapons was not mentioned.

The absence of a decision on this matter suggests that while support for Ukraine remains robust, there is no current authorization for expanding the operational scope of Ukrainian military actions with Western equipment.

Previously, the US had resisted calls to lift all restrictions on long-range weapons, citing concerns over escalating tensions with Moscow and the potential for Russia to relocate high-value targets out of range. The US also faced limitations due to dwindling stocks of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), with Lockheed Martin's production primarily allocated to allies and the new Precision Strike Missile not yet fully deployed.

Discussions have included the possibility of Ukraine using British Storm Shadow missiles to strike within Russia, though no final decision has been made. This topic was expected to be discussed further when President Biden meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Recent pressure from bipartisan US lawmakers and a visit by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who presented a list of potential targets, have intensified the push for policy changes. Despite previous restrictions, there is growing support for expanding Ukraine's capabilities to counter Russian aggression, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive stance in US and allied support for Ukraine.

Biden has strongly supported Ukraine since Russia's invasion but has been risk-averse about stepping up to new kinds of weapons deliveries, fearful of stoking nuclear tensions with Putin. His reticence about allowing Ukraine to use longer-range US missiles follows similar delays on HIMARS rockets, tanks and F-16 jets – all of which he eventually approved. 
Harris has pledged to continue steadfast support for Ukraine if elected.

Meanwhile, the United States has confirmed it has no plans to deploy troops to Ukraine or directly participate in the ongoing conflict. This assurance was provided by Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the US State Department, told a briefing.

Miller emphasized that the US remains committed to supporting Ukraine through other means, stating, "We have clearly articulated that the United States does not intend to become directly involved in this war. We are not planning to send our troops."

Despite this position, the State Department reaffirmed its commitment to continue providing military aid and support to Kyiv. The focus remains on supplying weapons and resources to assist Ukraine in its defence efforts.