Thu Sep 12 09:05:50 UTC 2024: ## US and UK Reportedly Greenlight Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes on Russia

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Amidst a joint visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, reports indicate that Ukraine is close to gaining permission from the US and UK to launch long-range strikes on targets deep within Russia.

While Western allies have so far hesitated to approve such actions, fearing escalation of the conflict, recent statements from high-ranking officials suggest a shift in policy. House Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul claimed Blinken informed him that Ukraine will be granted authorization to use long-range weapons such as the ATACMS.

Similarly, Politico, citing Western officials, reported that the Biden administration is finalizing a plan to expand the range of Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. The Guardian added that UK sources have confirmed the decision to allow Ukraine to employ Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets.

The Kremlin, however, claims that the decision to allow such strikes has already been made, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that the current media reports are simply a way to formalize the decision. He warned that Russia’s response to any such strikes would be “appropriate,” emphasizing the direct involvement of the US and European states in the conflict.

During the joint news conference in London, Blinken stated that the issue of granting permission for Ukraine to strike deep into Russia would be discussed during his Kyiv visit. He emphasized the importance of listening to Ukraine’s needs and objectives before making any decisions.

While the US and UK haven’t officially confirmed the decision, the recent statements from key figures and reports from multiple media outlets suggest that the approval is imminent. The potential impact on the conflict remains to be seen, but the move represents a significant escalation of Western involvement in the war.

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