President Biden Clarifies US Weapons Use Policy Amid Ukraine Conflict
Biden’s Stance on Weapon Use
President Joe Biden firmly stated on Thursday that U.S. weapons would not be used to attack Moscow. This declaration comes after he authorized Ukraine to strike specific targets inside Russia with Western-supplied arms. Biden emphasized that these weapons are meant to be used in proximity to the border, specifically targeting areas from where Ukraine is receiving significant fire from Russian forces.
Context of the Authorization
In response to the Russian offensive in northeast Ukraine, the United States and several other countries have given Kyiv the green light to use Western-donated weapons to strike inside Russian territory. Biden clarified in an interview with ABC News that the authorization does not extend to strikes deep into Russian territory, including Moscow and the Kremlin. The focus is on defending Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region, which shares a border with Russia and has been under continuous attack.
International Support and Restrictions
Last week, U.S. officials announced a partial lifting of restrictions on weapon use, allowing Ukraine to defend itself more effectively in the Kharkiv region. This shift in policy was attributed to the relentless Russian bombardment of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Germany also followed suit, permitting Ukraine to use German-delivered weapons against targets in Russia. Biden reiterated that the U.S.-supplied weapons are intended for use just across the border, targeting the source of significant conventional fire from Russian forces.
Biden’s Remarks in France
President Biden made these remarks while in France, where he is attending events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. His statements aimed to clarify the U.S. position on weapon use and address any potential concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia. By emphasizing the defensive nature of the authorization, Biden sought to underline the commitment of the United States and its allies to support Ukraine while avoiding further escalation.
