According to a Western official familiar with question, in recent days Ukraine has used American weapons to strike territory inside Russia, the Associated Press informed, BTA reported.
The weapons were used in accordance with recently approved directives by President Joe Biden that allow U.S. weapons to be used to strike Russian territory for a limited purpose – the defense of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine.
The employee is not authorized to publicly comment on the sensitive issue and is speaking on condition of anonymity, AP notes.
Biden's directive allows US-supplied weapons to be used to strike Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack. It does not change U.S. policy, which directs Ukraine not to use U.S.-supplied ATAKMS missiles or long-range missiles and other munitions to launch offensive strikes on Russian territory, U.S. officials said.
Ukrainian officials had stepped up calls for the US to allow Kiev's forces to defend themselves against attacks coming from Russian territory. Kharkiv is only 20 km from the Russian border and is subject to increased Russian attacks.
In their advance into the northeastern part of Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces took advantage of the prolonged delay in American military aid. In addition, inadequate military production in Western Europe has delayed supplies crucial for Ukraine to the battlefield.