As the United States and its allies supply Ukraine with increasingly sophisticated weapons, Washington has already discussed with Kyiv the risk of escalation if the Ukrainian blows reach deep into RussiaUS officials told Reuters.
The behind-the-scenes discussions, which are extremely sensitive and have not been known in the past, do not place clear geographical restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukrainian forces. However, those who took part in the talks tried to reach an agreement on the possible risk of escalation, said three US officials and diplomatic sources.
“We are concerned about the escalation, but we do not want to impose geographical restrictions or bind the Ukrainians,” said one of the three US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Biden administration and US allies are increasingly willing to give Ukraine more weaponsincluding M777 shells, as Kyiv fights Russian invading forces more successfully than US intelligence officials had predicted.
The Pentagon announced last week that Denmark would supply anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. Harpoon will increase the scope of Kiev.
U.S. officials say the Biden government is even considering supplying Kyiv with M142 long-range missile systems (HIMARS), which depending on the ammunition can travel hundreds of miles.
However, US intelligence services have also warned of growing dangers, especially given the mismatch between Vladimir Putin’s apparent ambitions and the performance of his military.
The coming months could put the war on a “more unpredictable and potentially escalating trajectory,” National Intelligence Director Avril Haynes told a Senate hearing.
The United States is not directly fighting Russian forces, Reuters reports, but Pentagon commanders are in constant contact with Ukrainian leaders and have provided important information that has allowed Ukraine to target Russian troops on land and at sea, US officials have said. .
A second US official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said Washington and Kyiv had a common “understanding” of the use of certain weapons systems provided by the West.
“So far, there is an agreement,” the official commented.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned the West that supplying weapons to Ukraine capable of hitting Russian soil would be “a serious step towards an unacceptable escalation.”
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