Expanded clarification on leadership targeting and drone incidents

In a CNN interview, John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council, addressed a question about whether the United States regards Russian President Vladimir Putin as a legitimate military target for Ukraine. He stated clearly that engaging in such a legal discussion is not something he considers appropriate or productive for any responsible public official. He emphasized that Washington does not support, encourage, or facilitate attacks on individual leaders, underscoring a position rooted in international norms and the dangers of elevating personal leadership targets over strategic objectives. He also noted that the United States was not involved in any drone operations aimed at the Kremlin during the events described, reinforcing a separation between U S policy and direct actions against specific political figures. This clarification came amid a broader debate about how to handle high value political targets within the ongoing conflict and the expectations placed on allied partners to adhere to legal and ethical standards in wartime actions.