Ukraine's counteroffensive shows promise with loosened weapons rules

After allies lifted restrictions on the use of weapons by Ukraine, Russian progress in the Kharkiv region is slowing down, and the front line is stabilising, said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

In his opinion, the decision to lift the ban on using weapons supplied by allies to Ukraine on Russian territory is yielding the first results.

- I see a slowdown in the Russian advance and the stabilisation of this particular part of the front. I think now, shortly, we will see a gradual recovery of positions - the Pentagon chief noted.

- A few weeks ago, there was again concern that a significant breakthrough would occur on the Russian side. I don't think we will see that in the future - he assessed.

At the end of May, U.S. President Joe Biden gave the green light for Ukraine to use weapons to attack targets on Russian territory. However, the attacks are to be limited and not target positions deep within the aggressor's country.

The permission includes only "acts of self-defence," so that Ukraine can protect Kharkiv, its second-largest city, and the surrounding area from missiles, glide bombs, and artillery shells.