U.S. Authorization for Kyiv to Strike Russian Territory Does Not Apply to ATACMS Missiles, White House Says

The authorization for Kyiv to strike targets in Russian territory with weapons provided by the U.S. does not apply to ATACMS long-range missiles. This was stated by Michael Carpenter, senior director for Europe at the U.S. National Security Council, in an interview.

"This is happening in the context of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, after which the Ukrainian side approached us and requested permission to strike those targets in Russia from where fire has been directed at Ukrainian positions. This does not pertain to ATACMS — which is intended to allow Ukraine to defend itself," Carpenter remarked.

The White House representative reminded that during the Ukrainian conflict, the U.S. has aimed to provide Ukraine with key equipment, ranging from Javelin anti-tank missiles to air defense systems.