Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. government

US Expands Agreement Allowing Ukraine to Strike Russian Targets Within 100 Kilometers for Self-Defense

Jun 21, 2024, 07:37 PM

The United States has officially expanded its agreement with Ukraine, allowing the use of U.S.-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets beyond the previously restricted areas near Kharkiv and Sumy regions. This decision permits Ukraine to counterstrike Russian positions across the border, including airfields and bombers, if they pose a threat to Ukrainian territory. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Charlie Dietz confirmed that Ukraine can use air defense systems to target Russian aircraft in Russian airspace if they are about to fire into Ukrainian airspace. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that the new policy is not about geography but common sense, allowing Ukraine to defend itself wherever Russian forces cross the border. Michael Carpenter also noted that the permission extends to self-defense scenarios. However, the range restriction reportedly prevents Ukraine from targeting key Russian airfields beyond 100 kilometers from the border.