Kirby: US has never imposed restrictions on Ukraine to shoot down aircraft in Russia

Ukraine has never had any restrictions from the United States on shooting down Russian aircraft that posed a threat to it. Even if they were not in Ukrainian airspace.

This was stated at a briefing by John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the National Security Council at the White House. He could not confirm the first use of American weapons by Ukraine across the border with Russia, as the United States "is not in a position to know on a day-to-day basis what exactly the Ukrainians are shooting at."

"I can tell you that they (Ukrainians - Ed.) understand the instructions they have been given," Kirby assured.

He also emphasized that Washington has never restricted Kyiv from shooting down enemy aircraft that pose a threat.

"There have never been any restrictions on Ukrainians shooting down enemy aircraft, even if those aircraft were not necessarily in Ukrainian airspace. I mean, they can shoot down Russian planes that pose a threat," Kirby said.

As a reminder, US Congressional Democrats have called for the lifting of all restrictions on Ukraine's use of US weapons in its confrontation with Russian invaders. Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu added that in Crimea, which is part of Ukraine, Ukrainians are already effectively using long-range missiles to destroy Russian military equipment.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Earlier, Kirby suggested that the permission for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to strike with US weapons on the territory of Russia could be expanded. It will depend on the situation on the battlefield.

- American publications reported that the partial permission of the United States to strike Russia with transferred weapons would complicate the occupiers' offensive in the Kharkiv region, but is unlikely to dramatically change the situation on the battlefield. Now, Ukrainian troops will be able to intercept missiles and aircraft over the territory of the Russian Federation, strike at assembly points, military supplies depots, logistics centers, and conduct counter-battery fire across the border.

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