Washington:

The Biden administration has lifted restrictions preventing Ukraine from using U.S.-provided weapons to strike targets deep within Russian territory, signaling a major shift in U.S. policy on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Ukraine is reportedly preparing for its first long-range strikes in the coming days, though specifics remain classified for security reasons.

The White House has declined to comment on this development.

This decision comes just over two months before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. It follows repeated appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has urged the U.S. to allow the use of its weapons for long-range attacks on Russian military positions beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The policy change coincides with heightened concerns in Washington and Kyiv over Russia’s deployment of North Korean ground troops to bolster its forces in Ukraine.

According to sources, the initial deep strikes are expected to utilize ATACMS rockets, which have a range of up to 190 miles (306 km).

While some U.S. officials remain skeptical about the long-term benefits of allowing such strikes, others believe this move could offer Ukraine a strategic advantage, especially as Russian forces gain ground. It could also enhance Kyiv’s position in any potential future ceasefire negotiations.

Uncertainty remains over whether Trump will uphold or reverse this policy once in office. Trump has consistently criticized the scale of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine and has vowed to end the war quickly, though he has yet to outline a specific plan.

Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers have urged Biden to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied weapons.

Russia, however, has cautioned that lifting these limits would be regarded as a significant escalation in the conflict.