The US administration, under President Joe Biden, had previously set limits on the aid it would provide to Ukraine, specifying the types of munitions that could be used against Russian targets on Ukrainian soil. Recent Russian strikes on Kharkiv, located near the border, led to a change in this policy. The Russians bombed a home-improvement store in Kharkiv, killing 18 civilians, including two children. This prompted the White House to erase its red line, allowing the Ukrainians to target Russian cities, such as Belgorod, just 20 miles north of the border.
Following the White House’s decision, Ukrainian forces reportedly aimed their HIMARS launchers at Belgorod and launched dozens of rockets towards the city. Belgorod is a base of operations for the Russian army’s northern grouping of forces, which has been advancing towards Ukrainian border towns since May 10. The strikes on Belgorod are seen as a way to erode the Russian forces in the area without engaging in street-to-street combat. The significance of Belgorod has increased as Russian casualties overwhelm the local healthcare system and signs indicate a potential new assault by Russian forces.
The Ukrainian forces, with the green light to use US-supplied munitions, are now able to inflict significant damage on Russian bases in Belgorod. Previously, the Ukrainians could only use locally-made or European munitions in their attacks on Russian targets. The use of American-made munitions, such as HIMARS, ATACMS, and glide bombs, was essential for a sustainable and damaging assault on Russian bases in Belgorod. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support and the opportunity to better protect Ukraine from Russian aggression and expansion of the war.
The recent strikes on Belgorod by Ukrainian forces have the potential to disrupt the Russian army’s northern grouping of forces and the formation of a new strike group in the region. By targeting Belgorod and the surrounding areas, the Ukrainians can weaken Russian forces without direct engagement, as they did in Vovchansk. The ongoing conflict in the region has seen intense fighting and casualties on both sides, with the Ukrainians employing reinforcements to halt the Russian advance. Belgorod’s strategic importance has grown as the battle continues, making it a key target for Ukrainian forces.
The US decision to allow Ukrainian forces to target Russian cities is a significant shift in policy that provides the Ukrainians with more effective means to defend themselves against Russian aggression. The use of precision munitions and American-made weaponry will enable the Ukrainians to inflict greater damage on Russian forces in Belgorod and other strategic locations. The conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides facing casualties and significant challenges in the ongoing fighting. The support provided by the US and other allies is crucial in helping Ukraine defend itself and push back against Russian advances in the region.
