The restrictions on the use of Western weapons prevents Ukraine from defending the Kharkiv region.

Bans on targets in Russia from the US and other Western countries on the use of the weapons they have supplied Ukraine significantly undermines Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against the current Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War are convinced.

In their opinion, these restrictions have created a “buffer zone” in the area around the border from which Russian aircraft can bombard Ukrainian positions and stage equipment.

Note that the WSJ, citing American and Ukrainian officials, reported on May 17 that, amid the Russian offensive near Kharkiv, Kyiv asked Washington to provide more intelligence on the location of troops and military facilities inside Russia. For now, Ukraine must continue attacking the enemy with its locally produced munitions.

However, British Defense Minister Grant Shapps announced at the Sea Power conference in London that his country permitted Kyiv to strike annexed Crimea with British weapons because the peninsula, according to international law, remains part of Ukraine.