US weapons used by Ukraine to strike Russia, official says

WASHINGTON — Ukraine has used American weapons to strike in Russia in recent days, according to a Western official familiar with the matter.

The weapons were used under guidelines recently approved by President Joe Biden authorize the use of US weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of self-defense Kharkovthe second largest city in Ukraine.

The official was not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive issue and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Biden's directive authorizes the use of U.S.-supplied weapons to strike Russian forces that are attacking or preparing to attack. This does not change the American policy which orders Ukraine not to use ATACMS provided by the United States or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia, U.S. officials said.

Ukrainian officials have increased calls for the United States to allow Kiev forces to defend against attacks from Russian territory. Kharkiv is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border and is the subject of intensified Russian attacks.

By advancing into the region northeast of Kharkiv, Russian forces exploited a long delay in replenishing U.S. military aid. Additionally, Western Europe's insufficient military production has slowed crucial deliveries to Ukraine on the battlefield.

On Tuesday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters he could not confirm that Ukraine had used U.S. weapons on targets in Russia.

“We're just not able, on a day-to-day basis, to know exactly what the Ukrainians are shooting at and what,” Kirby said. “It’s certainly at the tactical level.”