Biden Signals Shift on Long-Range Weapons for Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden indicated that his administration is considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons against Russia, a significant policy shift following consistent reluctance due to fears of escalating the conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the U.S. aims to ensure Ukraine has the necessary tools to repel Russian aggression while weighing the implications of allowing strikes deep into Russian territory. Reports suggest that the U.S. is nearing an agreement to supply such weapons, although technical issues could delay shipments for several months. Concurrently, the UK and France are supplying Ukraine with cruise missiles but have imposed their own restrictions on their use. The U.S. is also responding to Iran's provision of missiles to Russia, which may be used in the ongoing conflict. As Ukraine continues its fight, President Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of global unity against any prolongation of the war.