Ukraine's Defence Minister discusses strikes on Russia with US Pentagon chief

Photo: Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine (Getty Images)

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi held talks with Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin. One of the topics was Ukraine's strikes on Russian territory, according to the head of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine on Twitter.

According to Umerov, the current situation on the frontline was discussed during the talks. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi reported on the situation on the battlefield.

The minister said that he had informed his American counterpart about the mobilization and restoration of combat brigades.

The parties paid special attention to the issue of supplying Ukraine with air defense equipment and ammunition.

"Russia continues to use guided aerial bombs along the entire front line. I also emphasized that Ukraine should have the right to strike enemy territory," the minister said.

He added that he was grateful to his American partners for their continued support.

Strikes on Russian territory

The United States opposes Ukraine's strikes on Russian territory. In particular, they criticized the attacks by Ukrainian defenders on Russian oil refineries.

The US also does not allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with its weapons.

But despite this position of Washington, some of Ukraine's allies still do not restrict the Ukrainian Armed Forces from striking Russia. Read more about this in RBC-Ukraine's material.