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.
#Escalation #Mirror #response #conflict #global #Tempo
How does Dr. Petrova believe the international community will respond to Russia’s threat to strike countries supplying weapons to Ukraine?
Today we’re discussing the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s recent actions. Joining us is Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert on Russian foreign policy and security. Dr. Petrova, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Petrova:** My pleasure. It’s important to discuss these developments and their potential implications.
**Host:** As we saw in President Putin’s recent speech [1](https://time.com/7177443/putin-signs-new-nuclear-doctrine-russia/), Russia is threatening to strike countries that
provide Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of hitting Russian territory.
**Dr. Petrova:** Right, Putin is clearly trying to send a strong message. He’s framing the Ukrainian conflict as a direct threat to Russia’s national security, arguing that Western weapons are increasingly blurring the lines between a regional conflict and a global one. By threatening to target the suppliers of these weapons, he’s raising the stakes significantly.
**Host:** This new doctrine lowers the threshold for nuclear weapons use. What are the potential ramifications of this shift in policy?
**Dr. Petrova:** This is incredibly concerning. The lowered threshold increases the risk of accidental escalation or miscalculation. While Putin insists Russia wants to resolve the conflict peacefully, his rhetoric and actions paint a different picture. This new policy creates a more unpredictable and dangerous environment for everyone involved.
**Host:** How might the international community respond to this threat?
**Dr. Petrova:** We’re already seeing strong condemnation from Western leaders. There will likely be increased diplomatic pressure on Russia, as well as potential economic sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. Ultimately, the goal will be to deter further escalation and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with tensions running so high, finding a common ground will be incredibly challenging.
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for sharing your expertise on this critical issue.
**Dr. Petrova:** You’re welcome. It’s essential to continue discussing these developments and advocate for peaceful solutions.
