In a bid to defend the eastern city of Kharkiv and halt Russia's push along the northeast front, the United States allowed Ukraine to use Western-supplied artillery and rocket systems to target border regions where the Kremlin's forces assemble and launch attacks. The decision has yielded initial success for Ukrainian forces, leading military commanders to request restrictions on long-range missiles to be lifted.

Despite pushing Russian positions back and gaining time to fortify their own positions, Ukrainian commanders contend that without the ability to utilize long-range guided missiles, such as ATACMS, their capabilities remain limited. These missiles, with a range of over 100 kilometers, would enable them to target key command points and the entire northern grouping located further away from the front line. However, the Biden administration has yet to lift restrictions prohibiting the use of these missiles inside Russian territory.

The US had expanded the scope of its policy to permit counterstrikes across a wider region, but maintaining restrictions on the use of ATACMS hinders Ukraine's effectiveness on the battlefield. Ukrainian officials argue that by forbidding strikes on Russian airfields and military infrastructure in their deep rear, Western allies are undermining their ability to confront the Russian threat.

Ukraine is urging its American allies to reconsider the restrictions and allow them to strike specific high-value targets inside Russia using ATACMS missiles. The current limitations have prevented Ukrainian forces from engaging enemy airfields and aircraft, posing a significant obstacle to their defensive operations.

While Ukraine has been able to target Russian troops and air defense systems 20 kilometers from the border in the Kharkiv region since late May, the provision of long-range HIMARS rocket systems has greatly slowed Russia's momentum. Ukrainian troops managed to destroy enemy columns of troops waiting to enter Ukraine, effectively stabilizing that part of the front line. Soldiers have reported that enemy troops have retreated several kilometers, though these claims remain unverified.

The decision to allow Ukraine the use of Western-supplied arms came after intense lobbying by Ukrainian officials and just as troops were preparing for combat against the potential opening of a new front in the northeast. Ukrainian officials emphasize that the ability to strike inside the enemy's territory, where logistics and supplies are held, is necessary to effectively combat the active Russian invasion on Ukrainian soil.

However, it appears that only desperate battlefield conditions are likely to convince American officials to reconsider the restrictions on ATACMS missiles. The recent invasion of the Kharkiv region, which drew in vital Ukrainian reserves, prompted the US to reevaluate its stance on allowing self-defense strikes in Russian territory. Ukrainian officials remain hopeful that the situation on the ground will lead to a change in the decision, but for now, they must continue to navigate the battlefield with limited capabilities.