American Weapons in Russia + Recent Headlines

Tuesday Digest (06.04.24)

U.S. Allows Ukraine to Use American Weapons on Russia

You may have missed this dramatic shift in American foreign policy last week due to a barrage of other headlines, but President Biden lifted a ban on Thursday that now allows Ukraine to strike Russia with weapons provided by the United States.

The permission has limits: Ukraine can only use the weapons on Russia’s side of the border near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which has been a center for conflict almost since Russia’s invasion began. The weapons can be used “against concentrations of Russian troops and Russian artillery pieces,” according to an official. They are to be used by Ukraine when attacked or about to be attacked, and only in designated Russian areas near Kharkiv.

France and Germany have also given approval for their weapons to be used this way. Ukraine had asked permission to strike Russia with these weapons earlier in May. The United States still is banning Ukraine for using American weapons for long-range attacks on Russia.

Why is this loosening of restrictions important?