US confirms long-range missile authorization

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby evaluated the agenda regarding the Ukraine-Russia War during a press briefing held via teleconference.

Kirby confirmed for the first time reports that emerged last week stating that the US has authorized the Ukrainian military to use long-range missiles within Russian territory.

Emphasizing that they have changed their policy on this matter, Kirby said, "Right now, they (the Ukrainian military) are able to use long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to defend themselves in case of urgent need; and as can be understood, this is happening in the Kursk region."

Stating that he would not comment much on the details regarding the use of the missiles in question, Kirby remarked, "The Ukrainians will speak for themselves regarding how they use ATACMS, how they determine targets, and how they employ these missiles."

Some unnamed US officials who spoke to the US media last week reported that Ukraine had been granted permission to use long-range American weapons in a limited manner within Russian territory, but no official confirmation had been provided on the matter until now.

This step, which Ukraine had long requested but to which the US administration had not given the green light until now, is considered a significant decision by the Joe Biden administration, which lost the election, before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at the White House.

US President-elect Trump had announced that he would take steps to end the Russia-Ukraine War as soon as he takes office and had stated that he did not want this war to drag on any further.