Russian forces fired on Ukrainian targets from its territory, and due to restrictions on the use of American weapons, among other things, Ukraine had only limited opportunities to respond. In practice, Russian territory has become a safe zone for launching attacks against Ukraine.

“As we see forces conducting such operations from the other side of the border, we have made clear that Ukraine may also have the right to return fire to defend itself,” Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder said in a press conference on Thursday.

The Pentagon states that Ukraine has permission to use long-range missiles from the United States to strike targets in Russia, and that this applies not only above the front line in Kharkiv in the northeast. The premise is that it is a matter of self-defense.

Watch the video: Here the Russians hit seven ammunition depots

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The Pentagon claims that the new clearances do not constitute any new practice on their part.

– It's not about geography. Pentagon spokesman Charlie Dietz says this makes sense.

– If Russia attacks or is about to attack from its territory into Ukraine, it is reasonable to allow Ukraine to respond to forces attacking from the other side of the border, he says.

In addition, they can use air defense systems acquired by the United States to shoot down Russian aircraft, even if they are in Russian airspace, if they are about to fire into Ukrainian airspace, Dietz said in a statement.