The US has not changed its policy regarding strikes with US weapons deep into Russia

20 August, 2024 ATACMS launch. Photo credits: Office of Strategic Communications of the General Staff Despite the operation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region, the United States said it had not changed its policy on strikes by American weapons deep into Russian territory.

Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, stated this. Commenting on the situation, she noted that Ukrainians are defending their sovereign territory from Russian aggression. "What I will say is that our policy (regarding long-range strikes - ed.) has not changed.

I just have nothing else to add to that," Jean-Pierre stated. She also emphasized that the United States did not and does not participate in any aspect of the planning or preparation of this military operation.

M142 HIMARS launches an ATACMS missile. Fall of 2023, Ukraine. Frame from the video of the General Staff of Ukraine

A representative of President Biden's administration also told The Telegraph that Ukraine does not need to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike Russian territory, as attack drones used by Ukrainian forces are already helping to destroy targets in Russia.

Ukrainian "Lyutyi" attack drone in the sky over the Russian Federation, March 2024

"Ukraine has really been able to make a real impact using its own long-range UAV program," the US official said.

He added that Ukrainian-made drones have demonstrated the ability to hit some of Russia's military airfields, which are located outside the range of Storm Shadow/SCALP EG missiles. Ukraine receives these weapons as part of military aid from the UK and France. Previously, POLITICO reported that the Biden administration is open to providing AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles for Ukrainian F-16s.

JASSM-ER missile.

Photo credits: US Air Force

However, the final decision to send the missile has not yet been made, but according to one of the Biden administration officials, they are working on the complex details.

These issues include verifying the transfer of sensitive technologies and ensuring the capability to use these missiles.