John Kirby: The United States did not restrict Ukraine in destroying Russian aircraft, even beyond its territory

The United States did not set any restrictions for Ukraine regarding the destruction of enemy aircraft, even if Russian planes were not in Ukrainian airspace.

This was reported by John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications for the National Security Council at the White House, during a briefing.

He stated that he could not confirm reports that Ukraine had used U.S. weapons for strikes on Russian territory for the first time.

"As I said, we’re just not in a position on a day-to-day basis of knowing exactly what the Ukrainians are firing at what.  It’s certainly at a tactical level.  So, I can’t confirm that.  I can tell you that they understand the guidance that they’ve been given," Kirby said.

He also emphasized that the United States has never restricted Ukraine in terms of destroying Russian aircraft, even beyond Ukrainian territory.

"There’s never been a restriction on the Ukrainians shooting down hostile aircraft, even if those aircraft are not necessarily in Ukrainian airspace.  I mean, they can shoot down Russian airplanes that pose an impending threat.  And they have.  They have since the beginning of the war," he explained.