The White House does not rule out the possibility that in the future the United States may extend the authorization for Ukraine to use weapons.
Main theses:
- The White House is considering expanding the authorization to use weapons to strike Russia in favor of Ukraine.
- Changes in U.S. policy may allow the use of U.S. systems such as HMSG, HIMARS, and others for defense in Kharkiv region.
- It is worth noting that this authorization does not apply to ATACMS long-range surface-to-surface missiles for strikes against Russia.
- The White House plans to continue to develop support for Ukraine depending on the situation on the battlefield and the country’s needs.
- Updates in U.S. policy could provide Ukraine with more opportunities to defend itself against Russian aggression and support defense measures.
The White House may extend the authorization for the use of US weapons
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby refused to give details of the possible expansion of the authorization, noting that he did not want to get ahead of himself “on decisions that have not yet been made.”
However, Kirby noted that at every step of the war, as the situation on the battlefield changed, the US government developed and changed its support for Ukraine.
As you know, at every step of this war, as the war changed, as the conditions on the battlefield changed, we developed and changed our support for Ukraine. And I would not expect the current general approach to change in the coming weeks or months. We will see how the situation develops and what Ukrainians will need.
National Security Communications Advisor to the White House, John Kirby
The White House official noted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to receive more funds and have more opportunities to use these funds, as his country continues to be under constant attack.
We will continue to have these conversations with Ukrainians. Of course we will. And whether this will lead to additional policy changes, I cannot say at this time. But we will not turn our backs on Ukraine’s needs. And we will continue to try to develop our support, depending on the situation on the battlefield,” Kirby said.
Ukraine is allowed to strike at Russia with GMLRS and HIMAR
Ukraine can use American GMLRS rockets, HIMARS artillery missile systems and other artillery systems to strike military targets in Russia.
The authorization does not apply to ATACMS long-range surface-to-surface missiles.
This is stated in the material of The Wall Street Journal, whose authors cite unnamed US officials.
The publication noted that in order to defend against the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, the Defense Forces will be able to use American GMLRS rockets, HIMARS artillery missile systems and other artillery systems.
At the same time, the changes in US policy will not affect the use of long-range ATACMS surface-to-surface missiles in Russia.
Our policy of prohibiting the use of ATACMS [for strikes against Russia] or [other] long-range strikes inside Russia has not changed,” said an anonymous American official.
