Breaking the Chains: Why Biden Must Greenlight Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Soil

 

President Biden must lift the restrictions on Ukrainian forces using US weapons to strike Russian targets, as this is the only way to disrupt Moscow's offensive capabilities and secure a decisive victory for Ukraine. Historically, wars have often been decided by the ability to strike at the heart of the enemy's strength. During World War II, the Allied forces did not hesitate to bomb strategic locations in Germany to weaken the Nazi war machine. Similarly, during the Gulf War, coalition forces targeted critical infrastructure in Iraq to cripple Saddam Hussein's military capabilities.

The war in Ukraine has entered a critical phase. The persistent threat from Russian troops massing at the border, coupled with the restrictions on Ukrainian forces using US weapons to strike targets within Russia, has created a precarious situation. The United States, under President Biden's leadership, must reconsider its stance and give Ukraine the green light to strike targets in Russia with US weapons. This strategic shift is not only necessary for Ukraine's defense but also for the ultimate goal of humiliating Vladimir Putin and ensuring a lasting peace in the region.

Ukrainian parliamentary officials, including David Arakhamia and Oleksandra Ustinova, have been vocal about the challenges posed by the strike ban. During a visit to Washington, Ustinova highlighted the struggles Kyiv faces due to this restriction. "We saw their military sitting one or two kilometers from the border inside Russia, and there was nothing we could do about that," she lamented. The inability to counteract these threats directly has left Ukraine vulnerable to continuous assaults.

Over the weekend, Russia launched an offensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, capturing several settlements and targeting strategic infrastructure. This renewed aggression comes more than a year after Ukraine had retaken the region in mid-2022. Ukrainian intelligence had warned for weeks about the massing of Russian troops, estimated at 50,000 to 70,000 personnel. Despite this, the Ukrainian forces were unable to preemptively strike these troops due to the imposed restrictions.

The truth is that the ban on US weapons firing into Russia is exposing Ukraine to attack from Russia. Ukrainian forces have been limited to using domestically produced drones for strikes beyond their borders, while crucial US-supplied systems like the HIMARS launchers have been deliberately modified to prevent them from firing into Russian territory. This policy has effectively provided a shield for Russian forces, enabling them to advance with minimal resistance.

The Institute for the Study of War has pointed out that Russia's ability to seize territories like Vovchansk is a direct result of this Western policy. The inability of Ukrainian forces to strike legitimate military targets within Russia has allowed the Kremlin to create buffer zones and position artillery within range of key Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv. This situation echoes the devastating battle of Mariupol, where relentless Russian attacks led to widespread destruction.

Washington and its allies have been hesitant to allow Ukraine to attack Russian soil with Western equipment, fearing it would escalate the conflict to an all-out war. However, this cautious approach has only emboldened Russia. As Ustinova aptly put it, "You're giving us a stick, but you will not let us use it." By preventing Ukraine from using US weapons to their full potential, the current policy inadvertently protects Russian military assets and prolongs the conflict.

President Biden must recognize that Ukraine's best chance of winning this war and humiliating Putin lies in its ability to strike directly at the sources of aggression. Allowing Ukraine to use US weapons against Russian targets would disrupt Moscow's offensive capabilities, forcing them to reconsider their strategies and potentially pushing them towards negotiations.

Historically, wars have often been decided by the ability to strike at the heart of the enemy's strength. During World War II, the Allied forces did not hesitate to bomb strategic locations in Germany to weaken the Nazi war machine. Similarly, during the Gulf War, coalition forces targeted critical infrastructure in Iraq to cripple Saddam Hussein's military capabilities. These actions, while controversial, were instrumental in achieving decisive victories.

Legally, international law recognizes the right of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Ukraine, as a sovereign nation, has the inherent right to defend itself against armed aggression. The use of US weapons to strike legitimate military targets within Russia would fall within this framework, provided the strikes are proportionate and necessary to repel the threat.

The time has come for President Biden to make a decisive move. By lifting the restrictions on Ukrainian forces and allowing them to use US weapons to strike targets within Russia, the United States can help Ukraine turn the tide of the war. This bold step would not only enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities but also send a powerful message to Moscow that aggression will not go unpunished. The only chance Ukraine has of winning this war and humiliating Putin is if they are allowed to strike targets in Russia with US weapons. It is a necessary and justified strategy that aligns with historical precedents and legal principles. President Biden must act now to ensure a just and lasting peace in the region.