NYT "Possibility of Widespread Internal Attacks in Russia"
Zelensky Also Appeals for Use of US Long-Range Weapons

The U.S. government has partially allowed Ukraine to use American-made weapons to strike Russian territory and has suggested that it may further expand the scope of possible attacks, according to an analysis.

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State. Photo by Yongjun Cho jun21@

The New York Times reported on the 31st of last month (local time) that U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken, during a press conference in Prague, Czech Republic, indicated the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use American-made weapons not only to defend the second-largest city Kharkiv but also to strike more extensive targets inside Russian territory.

Previously, U.S. President Joe Biden was reported to have permitted Ukraine to attack Russian territory with American weapons only for the purpose of defending Kharkiv, which was under concentrated Russian attacks. Ukraine was allowed to use its own weapons only to strike points from which missiles targeting Kharkiv were launched within Russia, while continuing to prohibit attacks on Russian territory using long-range missiles.

However, at a press conference following the NATO foreign ministers' meeting held in Prague, Czech Republic, Secretary Blinken officially confirmed that President Biden had approved attacks inside Russia using American weapons and stated, "As we have done so far, we will continue to 'adapt and adjust' as necessary." This was in response to a reporter's question about whether Ukraine could be allowed to use American-made weapons to strike deeper inside Russia.

The NYT focused on Blinken’s remark that the existing stance could be "adapted and adjusted," interpreting it as an indication that the restrictions on attacks on Russian territory could change depending on the battlefield situation and the direction of the war. However, the NYT added that Blinken included a caveat at the Prague press conference that the U.S. is proceeding "cautiously and effectively."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for greater discretion in striking Russian territory with Western weapons, including those from the U.S. In an interview with the British daily The Guardian on the same day, President Zelensky argued that Ukraine should be able to use "powerful" long-range weapons capable of hitting deep targets within Russian territory.

He emphasized, "If the U.S. does not step up, other allies like the UK will not allow their own long-range weapons to be used to strike Russian territory," adding, "(The U.S.) needs to trust us more."

He also revealed that he had expressed to the British government a desire to use long-range weapons such as the Storm Shadow missile to attack Russian territory but did not receive "100% approval," explaining that the final decisions of the UK and other allies depend on "consensus," and that the U.S. position is crucial.