According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the prohibition of the United States on the use of its own weapons for strikes on Russian territory significantly complicates Ukraine's efforts to protect itself from Russian offensive operations in the north of the Kharkiv region.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh reported on May 16 that the Biden administration has not changed its position regarding the use of American weapons by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to carry out strikes on the territory of Russia. The administration determined that these weapons can only be used to liberate the occupied territories of Ukraine.
According to ISW analysts, the restrictions introduced by the United States and other Western countries have created an "island" in the border areas of the aggressor state, from which Russian aircraft can strike Ukrainian positions and populated areas, as well as where Russian troops and equipment can freely accumulate before the beginning of hostilities.
This US policy, according to the conclusions of the Institute for the Study of War, seriously undermines Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian offensive operations in the north of the Kharkiv region.
As for the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, since May 11, Russia has been attacking border settlements and trying to enter the city of Vovchansk. It is currently advancing 10 kilometers deep into the territory. The defense forces stopped the advance of the Russians in the direction of Kharkiv and stabilized the front line. President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the Russians are trying to weaken the Armed Forces along the entire front line due to the offensive in the Kharkiv region.
