US intelligence believes that the US decision to allow Ukraine to launch long-range US weapons strikes on Russian territory has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, Reuters reports, citing five sources familiar with the intelligence.
On Monday, the White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby For the first time he confirmed that Ukraine has permission to use American long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes in the Kursk region and “next to it.” He added that the US administration has changed guidance on the possibilities of Ukrainian troops using ATACMS missiles to attack “specific types of targets.”
“The US decision to allow Ukraine to strike with US weapons deep into Russia has not increased the risk of a nuclear attack, which is unlikely.” — informs the agency.
According to the agency’s interlocutor, intelligence officials have concluded over the past seven months that a nuclear escalation is unlikely should kyiv decide to ease restrictions on the use of American weapons; This view has not changed after November; United States decision. The launch of a new Russian missile last week also did not affect the US intelligence findings, the sources said.
Two senior US officials told the agency that they believe Russia could, in response to the US decision, “put pressure” on the West because of its support for kyiv.
