President Joe Biden has assured that no U.S. weapons supplied to Ukraine will be used to strike Moscow or other Russian government buildings.
This statement comes amidst ongoing military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Clarification on Weapons Use
During an interview with ABC News at the Normandy American Cemetery on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, President Biden addressed concerns about the use of U.S.-made weapons.
While he confirmed that Kyiv is authorized to use these weapons in certain regions, he clarified that this does not extend to targeting Moscow or the Kremlin.
Biden’s Response to Putin’s Accusations
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accused the U.S. of direct involvement in the conflict by supplying high-precision weapons to Ukraine. He suggested that these weapons were intended for strikes on Russian territory. When asked by ABC anchor David Muir about these claims, Biden responded firmly.
“I’ve known him for over 40 years. He’s concerned me for 40 years. He’s not a decent man,” Biden said of Putin.
“He’s a dictator, and he’s struggling to make sure he holds his country together while still keeping this assault going.”
Authorization Details
Biden emphasized that U.S. weapons are authorized for use in the Russian-occupied region of Kharkiv and areas just across the border where Ukrainian forces are under significant fire.
He made it clear that this authorization does not include strikes deep into Russian territory or on key locations such as Moscow.
“We’re not talking about giving them weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin, to strike against – just across the border, where they’re receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians,” Biden clarified.
Extensive Aid to Ukraine
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, President Biden has approved substantial military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, totaling $175 billion.
This support underscores the U.S. commitment to assisting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Commemorating D-Day in France
President Biden is currently in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a pivotal event in World War II that led to the fall of Nazi Germany.
The anniversary is a significant reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied forces to secure freedom and democracy.
Meeting with Zelensky
During his European trip, Biden plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the ongoing war efforts.
This meeting aims to reinforce the U.S. support for Ukraine and strategize on future actions to counter Russian advances.
Controlled Use of U.S. Weapons
Biden reiterated that the authorization for U.S. weapons use by Ukraine is strictly controlled and limited to specific regions near the border.
The aim is to allow Ukraine to defend itself from immediate threats rather than escalate the conflict by striking deep into Russian territory.
“Ukraine is only authorized to use these weapons in proximity to the border when they’re being used on the other side of the border to attack specific targets in Ukraine,” Biden told ABC News.
“We’re not authorizing strikes 200 miles into Russia and we’re not authorizing strikes on Moscow, on the Kremlin,” he insisted.
Conclusion
President Biden’s statements aim to clarify the U.S. position on the use of its weapons in the Ukraine conflict.
By ensuring that these weapons will not target Moscow, Biden seeks to manage the delicate balance of supporting Ukraine while avoiding further escalation with Russia.
The ongoing support for Ukraine, combined with strategic diplomatic engagements, reflects the U.S. commitment to upholding international law and supporting allies in times of conflict.
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