The Russian army has launched a massive attack on northeastern Ukraine in the Kharkiv region. The defenders have already had to withdraw from several villages. The Ukrainian army could shell the invaders’ deployment area in Russia. However, a US ban prevents them from using the supplied weapons for this purpose.
The US government under President Joe Biden is providing enormous military aid to Ukraine. However, there is a restriction on the weapons supplied: they may not be used for attacks on Russian territory. That ban – imposed out of fear of escalation – is now undermining Ukrainian efforts to defend areas in Kharkiv Oblast where Russian forces have launched an offensive, military experts said.
The Russian advance slowed
According to the American think tank ISW (Institute for the Study of War), Russian troops have advanced about eight kilometers into Ukrainian territory since May 10. The advance has now slowed. According to reports from Kiev, counterattacks by infantry, artillery and drones have managed to partially stabilize the situation.
While the invaders from Russia can cover Ukrainian defense positions several kilometers behind the border with artillery fire, the Ukrainians should not fire back with Western weapons systems, according to the ISW experts. That makes potential permanent Ukrainian positions near the border ‘potentially indefensible’.
“Refuge” due to US restrictions
The US restrictions would have created a “sanctuary” in Russia’s border areas from which Russia could attack Ukrainian positions and settlements with glide bombs and missiles and troops could gather unhindered. The ISW military experts emphasize that a Ukrainian operation against Russian weapons systems supporting the offensive in Kharkov would be a defensive action from the start.
While British Foreign Secretary David Cameron clearly stated in early May that Ukraine has the right to use British-supplied weapons in Russia, his American counterpart remained vague during his surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital a few days ago. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said attacks outside the country were “not encouraged or enabled,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in response to a question at a news conference in Kiev. Ultimately, Ukraine must decide how it wants to fight this war, Blinken said.
US authorities: Encourage attacks in Russia
The US Helsinki Commission, an agency of the Biden administration that monitors compliance with the 1975 Helsinki Final Act on the inviolability of borders, became clearer. The US should not only allow Ukraine to attack military targets in the Russian border area, but also encourage it, the agency said.
There are no restrictions on areas annexed by Russia in violation of international law: Ukraine has attacked the Crimean peninsula again, probably with American-made missiles. During an attack on the Belbek military airport, a fuel system was hit and a fire broke out, the independent internet portal Astra reported on Thursday. Photos of this circulated online (see below).
US missiles fired over Crimea
The Russian Defense Ministry only reported the firing of five American ATACMS missiles over Crimea. In addition, four Ukrainian drones were shot down and two others were intercepted due to radio interference. However, Russian military bloggers confirmed the fires.
Belbek, near the port city of Sevastopol, is considered an important base for the Russian air force. Since the war of aggression began more than two years ago, Moscow has regularly used the airport for air raids on its neighbor. Ukraine has repeatedly announced its intention to liberate Crimea from Russian occupation.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
