WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) – The Biden administration has lifted restrictions preventing Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, according to three sources familiar with the decision.
Sources indicated that Ukraine is preparing to carry out its first long-range attacks in the coming days, though operational details remain confidential due to security concerns.
The White House declined to comment on the policy change, which follows months of requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to expand the use of U.S. weaponry against Russian military targets deep within Russian borders. This decision also comes in response to Russia’s recent deployment of North Korean ground troops to bolster its forces, a move that has raised alarm in Washington and Kyiv.
The initial strikes are expected to utilize ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles, the sources said.
This policy shift occurs just over two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20.