President Joe Biden has suggested that the U.S. may soon lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets. This potential policy shift would mark a significant change, responding to Kyiv's repeated calls for more freedom in utilizing advanced weaponry to defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Biden’s remarks came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, raising new concerns about the evolving dynamics of the conflict. When asked by reporters on Tuesday whether the U.S. would allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles more freely, Biden responded that his administration was "working that out now."
Since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has been cautious about providing or authorizing the use of weapons that could strike deep inside Russian territory, fearing such actions might escalate the conflict and potentially provoke a broader war. However, recent developments have led Washington to reconsider its position. Some restrictions on the use of long-range missiles have already been eased, permitting Ukraine to target Russian forces stationed near its borders.
Kyiv’s other allies, including the UK and France, have also supplied long-range weapons with similar usage restrictions, concerned that attacks deep inside Russia could lead to retaliatory strikes that might involve NATO members or even trigger a nuclear escalation. Despite these concerns, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed frustration with the pace of Western arms deliveries and has urged for greater flexibility in striking Russian positions, particularly with Western-supplied missiles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned against Ukraine using Western long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, suggesting such actions could lead to "very serious problems." In May, Putin cautioned that constant escalation could spark a wider conflict, rhetorically asking, “Do they want a global conflict?” He also emphasized that any strikes within Russia would be viewed as the responsibility of Western nations supplying the arms, regardless of whether Ukrainian forces carried out the attacks.
In a related development, the U.S., UK, France, and Germany imposed new sanctions on Iran on Tuesday, following accusations that Tehran has been supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine. These sanctions include restrictions on Iran Air's operations within the UK and Europe, along with travel bans and asset freezes targeting individuals believed to be involved in the arms transfers.
Blinken, who is set to visit Kyiv alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, stressed that Iranian forces have been training Russian troops to operate short-range ballistic missiles, which may be deployed against Ukrainian targets in the coming weeks. This added firepower could bolster Russia's ability to strike cities near the border while using its longer-range missiles to hit deeper into Ukrainian territory.
Lammy described Iran’s involvement as "a significant and dangerous escalation," underlining the gravity of the situation. Blinken, ahead of his Kyiv visit, said the U.S. aims to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky to better understand Ukraine’s objectives and explore further support.
As the conflict evolves, Biden’s hint at loosening restrictions on long-range weapons use suggests that Washington may be prepared to take additional steps to aid Ukraine in defending against Russia’s sustained offensive. The decision could reshape the course of the war, intensifying both the military and diplomatic tensions at play.
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