"This will not be game-changer": U.S. on decision to block Ukraine from striking deep into Russia

Lloyd Austin stated this at a press conference following the Ramstein meeting on September 6.

The Pentagon chief explained that the United States has not authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russia. He noted that such permission would not significantly alter the war or lead to a dramatic shift.

Austin added that Ukraine already possesses capabilities to target military sites in Russia independently. He mentioned that Ukraine has access to Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles and pointed out that Russia has even redeployed its aircraft to avoid the range of ATACMS. 

Austin emphasized the importance of focusing on helping Ukraine make the most effective use of its current resources.

• On September 3, the Russian army attacked an educational institution in Poltava with two ballistic missiles. The attack killed 51 people and injured 271.
• On September 4, Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder stated that U.S. policy regarding Ukraine’s strikes on Russia remains unchanged following the Poltava attack.