Pentagon Supports Ukraine’s Use of US Weapons in Kursk Operation

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed that the United States permits Ukraine to use American weaponry to strike targets in Russia’s Kursk region.

According to Singh, “Our policy allows Ukraine to conduct counterstrikes to defend itself from Russian attacks originating from border regions, including Kursk, from which attacks are launched into Sumy Oblast.”

Singh emphasized that the US remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its battlefield needs, although specifics about the weaponry used were not disclosed.

Regarding Ukraine’s strategic goals in Kursk, Singh stated, “We still do not have a full understanding of the objectives of this operation, but President Zelenskyy has indicated that the offensive aims to create a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory.” She also noted that establishing such a zone would require constructing multiple defensive lines.

Additionally, the Pentagon announced new packages of defensive aid for Ukraine. Singh mentioned that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin plans to have another conversation with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the coming days. This discussion will include aspects of Ukraine’s operations in the Kursk region.

Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder indicated that the US is discussing long-term objectives with Ukraine regarding its offensive operations in Kursk, which is a key component of US support.