In a significant policy shift, the Biden Administration has decided to grant Ukraine greater flexibility in defending itself against attacks near the Kharkiv border. A secret order was given by President Biden to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia.

According to a second U.S. official, Ukraine can now use American-provided weapons, including rockets and rocket launchers, to intercept Russian missiles targeting Kharkiv, counter troop concentrations just over the Russian border near the city, and engage Russian bombers attacking Ukrainian territory. However, Ukraine is still restricted from using these weapons to target civilian infrastructure or to launch long-range missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System, against military targets deep inside Russia.

This development marks a dramatic reversal from the administration’s initial stance, which cautioned that such actions could escalate the conflict by more directly involving the U.S. However, the deteriorating situation for Ukraine on the battlefield, with Russia making advances and improving its position in Kharkiv, prompted President Biden to reconsider.

The National Security Council has not yet responded to requests for comment.

However, recent statements from top officials suggest that a decision was either made secretly or was imminent. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who supports lifting the restriction, was the first to publicly suggest that Biden might allow such strikes, indicating that U.S. policy towards Ukraine would adapt as necessary.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby later did not rule out a potential change.

Top U.S. military officials have briefed Congress on the “military value” of relaxing the restriction.

This shift follows calls from key U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and France, advocating for Ukraine’s right to strike inside Russia using Western weapons.

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