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 the 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 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 that 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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How might Putin’s attempt to justify potential aggression solely based on the reach of long-range missiles be problematic?
## Interview with International Relations Expert on Putin’s Warning
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing President Putin’s latest statements concerning the war in Ukraine and his warnings to Western nations. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned expert on international relations and Russian foreign policy. Dr. Carter, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** President Putin has stated that Russia considers itself authorized to use weapons against military structures of countries that authorize Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. This follows recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles. Can you shed some light on the implications of this statement?
**Dr. Carter:** This statement is incredibly concerning. It marks a significant escalation in rhetoric from President Putin. By directly threatening countries providing Ukraine with weapons, he’s essentially drawing a red line and blurring the lines of direct conflict. This raises the risk of a wider confrontation beyond Ukraine’s borders.
**Host:** The use of long-range missiles also seems to be a turning point in the conflict. Putin claims these missiles necessitate a response, pointing to the potential inability of Western air defenses to intercept them. Is this a valid argument?
**Dr. Carter:** While Russia possesses formidable long-range missile capabilities, it’s crucial to remember that this war is not just about military technology. Diplomacy, international law, and the broader geopolitical context play a crucial role. Putin’s attempt to justify potential aggression based solely on the reach of these missiles is problematic and ignores the larger issues at play.
**Host:** Many experts have argued that Putin is using Ukraine as a testing ground for new weapons. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. Carter:** There’s certainly evidence to suggest that Russia is testing not only new weapons but also international reactions to their use. These actions carry immense risks, potentially triggering unintended consequences and further destabilizing the international order.
**Host:** What could be the potential consequences of this escalation?
**Dr. Carter:**
The risks are numerous. We could see a further widening of the conflict, increased tension between Russia and NATO countries, and a potential tinderbox situation that could ignite a broader conflict.
The threat to international stability is real, and it underscores the need for continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for your insightful analysis. This is a complex and evolving situation, and your expertise is invaluable in helping us understand the implications.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
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