Biden: "Ukraine Cannot Attack Moscow or the Kremlin with US Weapons"

Partial Allowance of US Weapons Striking Russian Mainland
Possibility of Escalation Through Western Intervention Denied

U.S. President Joe Biden, who pledged continued support for Ukraine, drew a line on attacks on the Russian capital using American-made weapons.

In an interview with ABC News on the 6th (local time), President Biden stated, "(The U.S.-supplied weapons to Ukraine) were approved on the condition that they be used only near the border if specific Ukrainian targets were attacked across the Russian border," adding, "Strikes on Moscow, the Kremlin, or within 200 miles (approximately 320 km) of Russian territory are not permitted."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The U.S. has so far restricted Ukraine from attacking Russian mainland with American-supplied weapons to prevent escalation. However, according to reports last month by Politico and the Associated Press, Ukraine was allowed to retaliate on Russian territory with U.S.-made weapons solely for the purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

When asked if he was worried about Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning that U.S. weapons support would be considered as entering the war, Biden said, "President Putin has made me uneasy throughout the 40 years I've known him," and dismissed the concern by saying, "The U.S. is providing Ukraine with weapons to fight at the border, not to attack Moscow or the Kremlin."

Regarding the possibility that this decision could lead to escalation involving the West led by the U.S., he said, "The likelihood is low," pointing out, "No American troops have entered the war, only weapons have been supplied, while 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded." He further assessed, "He (President Putin) is a dictator struggling to unite his country while continuing his attacks."

President Biden also spoke about former President Donald Trump, who was recently found guilty in a criminal trial related to hush money for a sexual misconduct scandal. He said, "Former President Trump received a fair trial," emphasizing, "We must prevent him from undermining the rule of law." Regarding his son Hunter, who is on trial for illegal possession of firearms, Biden stated he would accept any verdict and ruled out a pardon.

Meanwhile, President Biden attended the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Normandy landings held in France on the same day, declaring, "Today, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is stronger and more united than ever," and "We strongly support Ukraine and will not back down." Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that evening.