The White House Considers Allowing Ukraine to Strike Deep into Russia

The Biden administration is considering allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons for long-range attacks into Russia, according to a report by Politico. This permission is reportedly part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "victory plan," which he is currently promoting in the US.

However, President Biden has not publicly commented on the possibility of long-range attacks after his meeting with Zelensky at the White House on Thursday. Politico reports that two informed sources confirmed that the idea "remains under consideration" within the White House.

The Biden administration has not completely rejected the idea, despite the Pentagon's belief that such strikes would have little strategic impact. Zelensky has been pushing for permission to use US-made ATACMS, British Storm Shadows, and French SCALP missiles to target internationally recognized Russian territory. The UK and France have indicated their willingness to allow such attacks, but only if the US takes the lead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such a move would directly involve the US and its allies in the conflict, as Ukraine relies on Western assistance and targeting data for sophisticated weapons. Putin has threatened an asymmetrical response, potentially arming groups or countries hostile to Washington with advanced weaponry.

Sources also told Politico that Biden and his closest aides are skeptical of Zelensky's "victory plan." They privately question his decision to launch an incursion into Russia's Kursk Region, which required the redeployment of Ukrainian troops from key areas on the front in Donbass. They also express concern over Kiev's long-term prospects in the conflict.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Friday that Ukraine has lost over 17,750 troops and several hundred units of military equipment since the start of its Kursk operation on August 6. This includes 131 tanks and 97 armored personnel carriers.