WASHINGTON — In a notable policy shift, President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to counter Russian military actions near Kharkiv. This move comes amid escalating tensions and increased Russian advances towards Ukraine’s second-largest city, located merely 30 kilometers from the Russian border.
Speaking from Prague, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the change in policy. “Over the past few weeks, Ukraine requested authorization to use weapons we’ve provided to defend against this aggression, including against Russian forces massing on the Russian side of the border and attacking into Ukraine,” Blinken stated.
Blinken hinted that this policy could be extended to other conflict regions. “Going forward, we will continue to adapt and adjust our strategy as necessary,” he said. Notably, U.S. policy still prohibits the use of long-range missiles, known as ATACMS, capable of striking deep within Russian territory.
“This authorization applies specifically to counter-fire capabilities deployed just across the border. It does not extend to ATACMS or long-range strikes,” clarified Michael Carpenter, Senior Director for Europe at the White House National Security Council. “This measure is intended to allow Ukrainians to defend themselves against what would otherwise be a Russian sanctuary across the border,” Carpenter added in an interview with VOA.
President Biden had previously been reluctant to permit the use of American weapons for strikes inside Russia, fearing potential escalation. However, the recent intensification of Russian offensives on Kharkiv has likely influenced his decision. The White House’s decision, according to John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, “helps Ukraine manage a difficult situation in the northeast” and “removes a major burden on Ukraine’s efforts to protect civilians in Kharkiv and halt the Russian advance.” Nevertheless, Herbst noted that this step, while helpful, “does not fully convey the necessary message of American resolve to the Kremlin.”
Leveraging Frozen Russian Assets
In a related development, President Biden is set to host Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the White House. This meeting follows the European Union’s recent decision to utilize profits from Russian central bank assets, frozen in the EU, to support Ukraine’s defense.
In response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the G7 economies, including the United States and the EU, have immobilized significant Russian central bank assets. The debate has centered around how to unlock these funds to aid Kyiv. Biden signed legislation in April allowing the U.S. to seize approximately $5 billion in Russian assets within its jurisdiction. However, the majority of the $280 billion in Russian assets are held in Europe, with $225 billion frozen in EU countries, predominantly Belgium.
The G7 finance ministers recently expressed support for the EU’s plan, which aims to use the interest and investment returns from these assets to fund Ukraine’s defense, potentially generating over $3 billion annually. This support is expected to be formalized at the upcoming G7 summit in Bari, Italy.
Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund, highlighted the significance of the plan, although he acknowledged its uncertainties. “What is clear is that it’s going to be collected and used at the European level,” Lesser explained. The funds could be directed towards economic support for Ukraine, as well as financing arms purchases and bolstering European defense industries.
Russian officials have threatened retaliation by confiscating U.S. and European assets within Russia. This potential response raises concerns about the precedent of using frozen assets under international law, as noted by Lesser, who cautioned that this approach might lead to similar actions globally.
Despite the plan’s potential to yield substantial funds for Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the seizure of the principal Russian assets, not just the interest. “With all our gratitude for this decision today, the amounts are not commensurate with the total frozen assets,” Kuleba stated.
Belgium’s Military Support to Ukraine
Prime Minister De Croo’s visit to Washington follows his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Belgium, where they signed a security agreement. This agreement includes the delivery of 30 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, intended to enhance Kyiv’s defense capabilities against Russia. “These F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible, with the aim of delivering the first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024,” De Croo announced during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy.
However, De Croo stressed that these jets would not be used for operations inside Russian territory. Additionally, during his visit, De Croo is expected to urge President Biden to increase pressure on Israel to alter its war conduct and permit more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The geopolitical dynamics surrounding these decisions underscore the complex nature of international relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Biden’s recent policy shift and the EU’s financial strategies reflect the West’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while navigating the delicate balance of deterring further escalation with Russia.
Source: Information for this article was obtained from statements by U.S. officials, interviews conducted by VOA, and reports from the Atlantic Council and the German Marshall Fund.
