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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What are the potential implications of Russia testing new missile systems during the conflict, as alleged by Ukraine?
## Interview with Dr. Maria Petrova on Escalation in the Ukraine War
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Petrova. Today we’re discussing the escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict following recent developments. Can you provide some context for our viewers?
**Dr. Petrova:** Certainly. Recent days have seen a significant escalation in the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address [[[No source provided] ]], declared that the conflict has taken on a global dimension due to Western nations providing long-range missiles to Ukraine.
He issued a stern warning, stating that Russia considers itself authorized to target military structures in countries that allow their weapons to be used against Russia.
**Host:** This sounds incredibly dangerous. What prompted this stark warning from Putin?
**Dr. Petrova:** The warning follows reported Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory utilizing US and British long-range missiles. Putin claims these attacks necessitate a stronger Russian response. He also stressed that Russia would advance warnings before any future strikes to allow for civilian evacuation.
**Host:** Putin also made claims about testing a new intermediate-range missile in a strike against Ukraine. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Petrova:** Yes, Putin announced this test in response to the reported Ukrainian missile strikes. He argued that US air defences would be unable to intercept these missiles, highlighting Russia’s military capabilities.
**Host:** Ukraine has responded by accusing Putin of using their country as a testing ground for new weaponry. What are your thoughts on this allegation?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s certainly a valid concern. The deployment of a new missile system, especially amidst an ongoing conflict like this, raises serious questions about the potential for further escalation.
While there are conflicting reports about the specific type of missile used, the fact remains that both sides are increasingly relying on long-range weaponry, signifying a worrying shift in the conflict.
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for shedding light on this complex and concerning situation. We’ll continue to monitor developments closely.
