Donald Trump has agreed to lift major restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western long-range missiles. The decision is likely to cause consternation in the Kremlin and comes following the cancellation of a proposed peace summit between Vladimir Putin and the US President in Hungary.
Kyiv’s military will now be able to target key energy infrastructure, as well as military and industrial sites deep inside Russia. US officials said Ukraine is likely to intensify its use of Storm Shadow missiles, which can travel over more than 180 miles.
The British-supplied rocket hit a an explosives and rocket-fuel plant in the Russian city of Bryansk on Tuesday, causing major damage.
The policy change was made secretly in Washington, and means that the Pentagon’s General Alexus Grynkewich will be the sole official with the power to approve such strikes.
The senior officer is the top US commander in Europe who also serves as NATO’s military chief. MORE TO FOLLOW