Biden Considers Lifting Ban as Ukraine Seeks Long-Range Strikes on Iranian Missiles in Russia

Sep 11, 2024, 12:59 AM

Senior Ukrainian officials, including Presidential Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak, have called for permission to use Western long-range weapons to destroy Iranian missile storage facilities in Russia. This request follows reports that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia. Ukrainian officials argue that sanctions on Iran are insufficient and that direct military action is necessary to prevent further terror. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are expected to discuss this policy change during their visit to Kyiv. President Joe Biden has indicated that the US is considering lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons, though there is internal debate within the Biden administration. The State Department is more supportive of Ukraine's request, while the Pentagon and intelligence community have expressed caution. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul has stated that Ukraine will receive permission for long-range ATACMS strikes against Russia. According to a YouGov poll, 58% of the British public support allowing Ukraine to strike.