Biden authorizes Ukraine to use US weapons for defense in Kharkiv – media

US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons for strikes on Russian territory to protect the city of Kharkiv, according to media reports based on anonymous sources.

Before this decision, Ukraine had requested permission from the US to allow its military forces to defend Ukrainian cities from attacks originating from Russian territory.

Mounting pressure on the US to grant such permission came from several NATO member states, who expressed openness to this possibility. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at a NATO meeting in Prague on May 30, stated that allies should consider lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of NATO weapons against targets on Russian territory.

Politico first reported the policy shift, noting that the president “recently directed his team to ensure Ukraine has the ability to use US weapons to return fire in Kharkiv, so that Ukraine can respond to Russian forces striking or preparing to strike it.”

The White House has not released an official statement. However, White House National Security Adviser John Kirby stated late on May 29, “our policy has not changed.”