State Department officially authorizes Ukraine to hit Russia with ATACMS

US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols confirmed that US President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to launch ATACMS missiles deep into Russian territory.

He said this in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper O Globo.

According to Nichols, the weapons that Ukraine will now be able to use will allow it to better defend itself, and will make it clear to Russia that its desire to seize Ukraine will not be successful. In addition, the US Assistant Secretary of State believes that in this way Russia may decide to start peace talks or even withdraw from Ukrainian territory altogether.

Also, some EU countries already allow Ukraine to use the weapons they provide against legitimate military targets inside Russia, but after the decision made by the US administration, more European countries are likely to follow suit. This belief was expressed by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels before the EU Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

"The United States has made an important decision, and I certainly applaud it. After lengthy discussions, President Biden has authorized the use of (US) long-range weapons 300 kilometers inside Russian territory. This is very good news for Ukrainians. They have been asking for this. Now the United States has granted this permission. In Europe, this issue is a matter of national competence," Borrell said.

He noted that some of the member states are already doing this - openly allowing Ukraine to use the provided weapons against Russian troops on Russian territory. Others do so without making loud statements. There is also a category of countries that simply remained silent during the discussion of this issue at the EU Foreign Affairs Council yesterday.

"But I am sure that they will follow the example of the United States and allow Ukrainians to use their own weapons to fight against Russian (troops) inside Russian territory, because it is from Russian territory that they are being attacked. And this is fully in line with international law. I think we will discuss this today. I hope that the member states will follow the US decision," the EU official added.

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