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.
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What are the implications of Russia’s potential willingness to target Western allies more directly?
## Interview: Putin’s Escalation in Ukraine
**(Host):** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrov, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy. Dr. Petrov, President Putin has been making alarming statements about expanding the conflict in Ukraine. Can you shed some light on this recent rhetoric?
**(Dr. Petrov):** Yes, Putin’s recent statements signal a dangerous escalation in the Ukraine conflict. He’s directly threatened countries supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, suggesting Russia might strike back against their military infrastructure. He’s also justified this by claiming that Western long-range missiles are turning the conflict into a global one.
**(Host):** There have also been reports of Russia testing a new intermediate-range missile, allegedly in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. Is this a turning point in the war?
**(Dr. Petrov):** It certainly raises concerns. While Russia has used missiles throughout the conflict, the alleged deployment of a new, potentially more powerful missile, and Putin’s emphasis on warning civilians before future attacks, point towards a potential shift in strategy. It suggests a willingness to increase the severity of the conflict and target Western allies more directly.
**(Host):** Putin insists Russia acts solely in self-defence and is open to peaceful resolutions. Is this credible?
**(Dr. Petrov):** It’s important to remember that Putin’s words often serve to justify actions that are at odds with international law and norms. While he claims self-defence, his justification for attacking countries supplying Ukraine is a dangerous precedent. It blurs the lines of international conflict and expands the potential scope of the war.
**(Host):** What are the implications for the international community?
**(Dr. Petrov):** This escalation requires a unified and firm response from the international community. Continued support for Ukraine and a commitment to holding Russia accountable for any further aggression are crucial. Furthermore, dialog channels with Russia must be kept open to prevent further miscalculations and de-escalate tensions.
**(Host):** Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insightful analysis. This is a dangerous situation that requires careful monitoring and a coordinated international response.
