Russia Ukraine war, page-222459

Biden partially lifts ban on Ukraine using US arms to attack Russia, US officials say - with cross-border strikes allowed today

Joe Biden has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weaponry to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, according to two US officials familiar with the matter.

The officials underscored that the US policy calling on Ukraine not to use American-provided long-range missiles and other munitions to strike inside Russia offensively has not changed.

However, PBS's Nick Schifrin said the decision comes into effect today - meaning Ukraine cab now use "artillery and GMLRs to target Russian military targets across the border in the Belgorod region, including command and control, arms depots, Russian troops, Russian artillery, Russian missiles".

Russia opened a second front in the Kharkiv region at the start of this month.

Russian missiles hit three sites in Kharkiv city last night, killing at least three people and injuring 16, local officials said.

An increasing number of allies have said Ukraine must be able to defend itself by attacking targets in Russian territory,

Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Mr Biden has been steadfast in his opposition to the Ukrainians using American-made weaponry offensively out of concern that the action could be seen as provocative and lead to Moscow widening the war.

https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-russia-war-news-putin-zelenskyy-latest-live-updates-12541713