White House: US policy on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons remains unchanged

US Policy on Ukraine's use of weapons for cross-border strikes remains unchanged, says White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a White House briefing.

Jean-Pierre has reiterated that the Biden administration's stance on Ukraine's use of US-supplied weapons remains consistent, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

In May, the President directed his team to ensure Ukraine could utilise these weapons to defend itself against Russian forces, particularly those involved in the ongoing offensive or preparing to strike.

"The principle is clear: Ukraine should be able to respond to forces attacking or threatening them," the official stated. However, the longstanding US policy prohibiting the use of long-range weapons for strikes inside Russian territory remains unchanged.

The official emphasised, "That policy has not changed and will not change."

While declining to provide further details, Jean-Pierre confirmed that discussions with Ukrainian authorities continue, as the US remains committed to equipping Ukraine with what it needs on the battlefield.

The Biden administration reaffirmed its ongoing support for Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, Russian president Vladimir Putin cautioned that if Western countries permit Ukraine to use long-range weapons to target Russian territory, it would signify that NATO is "at war" with Russia.

“This would fundamentally alter the nature of the conflict. It would indicate that NATO members, including the US and European nations, are engaged in war with Russia,” Putin stated in an interview with Russian state television on 12 September.

Notably, on October 7, 2024, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was promoted to senior adviser to the president.

By Aghakazim Guliyev