US Affirms Ukraine Can Use US Weapons To Attack Inside Russia

by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

In a significant development, the United States has affirmed Ukraine’s right to use American-supplied weapons against any Russian forces attacking from across the border, broadening the scope of Ukraine’s defensive operations. This stance, articulated by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, shows a shift in the operational latitude granted to Ukraine, though officials insist it does not represent a change in policy.

Initially, the U.S. policy was explicitly focused on the Kharkiv region, allowing Ukraine to use American weapons in response to cross-border assaults. However, a change in decision came as Ukrainian forces faced intense pressure from Russian attacks causing the recent statements by the National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, indicating a broader application of this policy, extending Ukraine’s right to strike any Russian forces launching attacks from Russian territory into Ukraine. Sullivan clarified, “If Russia is attacking or about to attack from its territory into Ukraine, it only makes sense to allow Ukraine to hit back against the forces that are hitting it from across the border.”

Ukrainian forces have already demonstrated the efficacy of this strategy. Utilizing American-supplied weaponry, they successfully struck targets in Belgorod, a city inside Russia, thereby thwarting further Russian assaults. This operational success highlights the strategic advantage of preemptive and responsive strikes, disrupting enemy operations and forcing them to reconsider their tactical approaches.

In a recent press briefing, Major General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, addressed several critical issues regarding U.S. military policy and ongoing conflicts. General Ryder emphasized that there has been no fundamental change in U.S. policy regarding Ukraine’s use of American-supplied munitions. “This comes down to counter-fire,” Ryder stated, highlighting the essence of the policy. He noted that during the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian forces faced concentrated artillery and preparatory fire from Russian positions.

Gen. John Murray – Ret., Former Commander, Army Futures Command

When questioned about the geographical limits of this policy, General Ryder clarified that it is not confined to the border areas near Kharkiv. “It’s focusing on the strategic intent here, which is counter-fire when you’re attacked, returning fire,” he explained. This broader interpretation allows Ukraine to target any Russian forces conducting operations from within Russian territory, provided these actions are in direct support of offensives into Ukraine.