A US official told AFP on condition of anonymity that US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles against military targets inside Russia, confirming media reports.
The New York Times and Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, said that the major policy shift that Ukraine had long demanded was a response to North Korea’s deployment of forces to aid Moscow’s war efforts.
The American official who spoke to Agence France-Presse confirmed the accuracy of the reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently pushed for permission from Washington to use the military’s powerful tactical missile system, known by its initials as ATACMS, to strike targets inside Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such a green light would mean NATO is “at war” with Russia – a threat he has previously made when Ukraine’s supporters stepped up their military aid to Kiev.
The newspapers said that the change in the position of the outgoing Biden administration came due to the arrival of North Korean forces in Russia, where Western intelligence reports indicate the deployment of about 10,000 soldiers.
US officials have previously said they believe the ATACMS missiles will make a limited difference in the Ukrainian campaign, and that they also want to ensure Washington’s stockpile of munitions is not depleted.
The American shift is likely to have broader repercussions and push European allies to review their positions.
The United States and Britain have supplied Ukraine with long-range ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, respectively.
Germany refused to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) due to fears that they could reach Russian territory.
Biden’s decision comes as he prepares to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to end the conflict in negotiations that are expected to force Ukraine to hand over territory.