The Pentagon has confirmed that Ukraine has received the green light to use American-supplied weapons in its ongoing offensive in Russia's Kursk region.
Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh made the announcement on Friday, stating that U.S. policy permits Ukraine to defend itself by targeting regions like Kursk, from which Russia has launched attacks into Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast.
"Our policy allows Ukraine to carry out counterstrikes against Russian attacks originating from border regions, including Kursk," Singh said.
While she didn't specify the types of weapons being used, she assured that the U.S. remains committed to meeting Ukraine's battlefield needs.
On the strategic goals of Ukraine's operation in Kursk, Singh noted that while the U.S. doesn't fully understand all of Ukraine's objectives, President Zelenskyy has indicated the offensive is aimed at creating a buffer zone on Russian territory.
Singh pointed out that achieving such a zone would likely require the construction of multiple defensive lines.
In addition to this approval, the Pentagon announced new defensive aid packages for Ukraine. Singh mentioned that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin plans to speak with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov soon, with a focus on Ukraine’s operations in Kursk.
Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder emphasized that the U.S. is closely discussing long-term objectives with Ukraine regarding its offensive operations in Kursk, which remains a key part of American support.
