Moscow could decide to strike those countries that have authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. The warning comes directly from Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The conflict in Ukraine has acquired elements of a global character after attacks by Western long-range missiles against Russia,” the Kremlin chief said in a televised address to the nation. “It is impossible to use long-range weapons on Russian territory without specialists from the countries where they were produced, this is known,” the Russian president remarked. Hence the warning: «Russia considers itself authorized to use weapons against the military structures of countries that authorize the use of their weapons against Russia». Moscow, the Russian president further explained, “will respond decisively and speculate in the event of escalation”. Putin reassured of his intention to resolve the disputes “by peaceful means”. But, at the same time, the message is clear: “Russia is ready for any development of events.”
The Russian president then announced that Moscow had tested a new intermediate-range missile in an attack on Ukraine. The move came in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory with US and British missiles earlier in the week. Putin explained that advance warnings will be issued if there are further attacks with these missiles against Ukraine, to allow civilians to evacuate safely. This is also because, Putin underlined, “US air defense systems would not be able to intercept Russian missiles”. On the contrary, «Russian air defense systems repelled attacks by Western long-range missiles on the territory of Russia, the enemy’s objectives were not achieved». From Kiev the accusation is that the missile launched from Moscow “looks like an intercontinental ballistic missile”. According to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin “is using Ukraine as a testing ground.” However, after initial information from the Ukrainian Air Force, a Western official raised doubts whether it was indeed a missile of that caliber. The fact remains that long-range missiles represent a new phase of the war. As highlighted by the Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, with the use of British Storm Shadow missiles on Russian soil «Britain is now directly involved in the war».
“These fights cannot take place without the intervention of NATO and Great Britain,” the ambassador remarked. Zelensky’s presidential advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, speaking to LaPresse about the use of Western missiles, highlighted how “the decisions of our partners will have an extremely important impact on the course of the war as a whole.” “Right now we are already seeing a panic reaction from Russia, which it is trying to disguise with classic ‘nuclear threats’ and the use of various missile formats for mass attacks against civilians,” commented Podolyak.
#Escalation #Mirror #response #conflict #global #Tempo
What are the potential implications for the international community if Russia targets countries supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine?
## Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Eastern European Military Expert
**Host:**
Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert on Eastern European military affairs. Dr. Petrova, thanks for being with us today.
Recent reports suggest that Russia has employed a new intermediate-range ballistic missile during its assault on Ukraine. What can you tell us about this development?
**Dr. Petrova:**
Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed complex and concerning. Confirmation from reliable sources is essential,
but initial reports suggest that this missile test was a direct response to Ukraine’s use of US and British long-range missiles against Russian territory. [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/21/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-launching-intercontinental-ballistic-missile)]It represents an escalation in the conflict, with both sides now deploying powerful weaponry capable of striking deeper into each other’s territory.
**Host:**
Putin has stated that Russia might target the nations supplying these long-range missiles to Ukraine. What are the implications of this threat?
**Dr. Petrova:**
This is a dangerous statement, implying a significant expansion of the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders. It’s crucial to remember that the use of long-range missiles, especially those capable of carrying nuclear warheads, drastically raises the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation. Putin’s threat illustrates a concerning willingness to escalate the conflict and potentially drag other countries into the war.
**Host:**
Some reports suggest that the missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile, which would be an even more serious escalation. Can you shed some light on this?
**Dr. Petrova:**
There’s conflicting information about the type of missile deployed. While Ukrainian officials initially claimed it was an intercontinental ballistic missile, this has been questioned by some Western sources. It’s important to wait for independent verification and analysis before making definitive conclusions about the missile’s capabilities and significance.
**Host: ** This development seems to mark a new and dangerous stage in the conflict. Where do you see this going from here?
**Dr. Petrova:**
It’s difficult to predict with certainty, but this escalation increases the potential for further violence and instability. The international community must work diligently to de-escalate the situation, encourage dialogue, and prevent this conflict from spiralling further out of control.
