Biden quietly approves Ukraine strikes near Russian-occupied Kharkiv

Joe Biden secretly permitted Ukraine to strike targets within areas controlled by Russia using weapons supplied by the US, Politico reported on Thursday. The White House is said to have stipulated that the approval applies only to the area near Russian-occupied Kharkiv.

"The president recently directed his team to ensure that Ukraine is able to use U.S. weapons for counter-fire purposes in Kharkiv so Ukraine can hit back at Russian forces hitting them or preparing to hit them," an anonymous American official stated.

He added that the policy banning attacks using American long-range weapons on Russian territory "has not changed."

Ukraine will be able to use American missiles and launchers to shoot down Russian missiles flying toward Kharkiv, aircraft attacking Ukrainian territory, and strike at Russian troop formations gathered near the border.

However, Ukrainians will not be able to strike civilian infrastructure or use long-range missiles to hit targets deep within Russia.

This is "a major reversal that will help Ukraine to better defend its second-largest city," Politico assesses. According to the portal, concerns have emerged within the Biden administration that this could escalate the conflict through more direct US involvement in the war. "But worsening conditions for Ukraine on the battlefield – namely Russia’s advances and improved position in Kharkiv – led the president to change his mind," Politico adds.

A source for the portal says that Ukraine approached the Biden administration for such approval after a series of attacks on Kharkiv carried out by the Russians last week.

Despite anonymous officials conveying the policy change to the press, it has not yet been officially confirmed. Asked about it earlier, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh claimed the policy had not changed.