US concerned about Ukraine's strikes on Russian nuclear radar stations - media

The Washington Post reports this with reference to its own sources.

It is noted that Washington has warned Kyiv about two recent attacks on radar stations that provide air defense for Russia. At least one strike in Armavir, in southeastern Russia's Krasnodar region, probably caused some damage.

“These sites have not been involved in supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. But they are sensitive locations because Russia could perceive that its strategic deterrent capabilities are being targeted, which could undermine Russia’s ability to maintain nuclear deterrence against the United States,” the sources said.

However, Ukraine says that Russia used radar sites to monitor the activities of the Ukrainian military, including Kyiv's use of air weapons, including drones and missiles.

A Ukrainian source said that the strikes were aimed at reducing Russia's ability to track Ukrainian military activities in the south.

US officials have said “they are sympathetic to Ukraine’s plight,” but if Russia's nuclear early warning systems are blinded by Ukrainian attacks, even partially, it could harm strategic stability between Washington and Moscow.

“It should be obvious to everyone that there’s no intention whatsoever [by the United States] of using nuclear weapons against Russia. But there’s certainly concern about how Russia could perceive its deterrent capabilities being targeted and early-warning systems being attacked.”

• The US continues to restrict Ukraine's ability to use the weapons it has been given. The Ukrainian Armed Forces cannot use it to strike targets in Russia.