Ukraine says extending use of Western arms will weaken Russia near border

Ukrainian servicemen of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade fire a Leopard 2A6 tank during a military exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near a front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 12, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/ File Photo

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Tuesday that using Western weapons to strike inside Russia was a vital decision that would impact Moscow's tactical aviation and its capability to operate in border areas.

Following pressure from Ukraine and some of its European allies, the U.S. agreed last week to change its policy and allow Kyiv to strike inside Russia with Western weapons as part of its campaign to repel Russia's full-scale invasion.