Kyiv has the right to use American ATACMS missiles in Kursk area if necessary for self-defense, White House adviser John Kirby said on Monday.

The U.S. media said, citing Kirby, Ukraine can use ATACMS for self-defense in case of urgent need, and such situations are observed in Kursk area.

He said Washington had previously modified the rules for the use of missiles by Ukraine, and now Kyiv can use them for strikes against specific types of targets in Russia. The reports do not specify what specific types of targets are being discussed.

Earlier this month, The New York Times, citing sources, reported that U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of ATACMS missiles by the Ukrainian military to strike Russian territory.

The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, also announced the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's use of American weapons for strikes deep into Russia.