Official NATO statements and verified news reports

Ukraine Uses U.S. HIMARS to Strike 20 Miles Inside Russian Territory After Biden Lifts Ban

Jun 5, 2024, 04:50 PM

Ukraine has launched a military strike within Russian territory using American-made weapons, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. This development follows President Joe Biden's recent decision to lift a ban on the use of U.S. weapons for attacks inside Russia. Ukrainian officials confirmed the use of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to target Russian missile launchers approximately 20 miles inside Russia. The strike represents the first acknowledged use of U.S. weapons by Ukraine on Russian soil. Biden defended his decision, stating that the scope of the attacks would be limited to prevent a wider war. Despite earlier promises not to use U.S. weapons against Russian targets, Biden now permits strikes within 200 miles of the border. The strike also follows warnings from the Kremlin of 'fatal consequences' and is part of Ukraine's efforts to counter a Russian offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, as noted by a Western official.