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 targeting countries providing long-range missiles to Ukraine?
## Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Amelia Jones on Latest Developments in Ukraine War
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, thank you for joining us today. Tensions seem to be escalating in the Ukraine conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, stating that Russia will consider targeting countries supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine. Can you elaborate on what this means and its potential implications?
**Dr. Jones:** Certainly. President Putin’s statement signifies a concerning escalation in the conflict. Essentially, he’s signaling that Russia will no longer limit its military response to within Ukrainian borders. By threatening to strike the countries providing Ukraine with the means to attack Russian territory, he is broadening the scope of the war.
This move is directly tied to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil using US and British long-range missiles. Putin seeks to deter further such attacks by threatening retaliation against those aiding Ukraine.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly dangerous. Does this mean we’re on the brink of a wider conflict involving NATO members?
**Dr. Jones:** It certainly raises the stakes. Putin’s statement is a direct challenge to the West. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a complex situation. While the threat is serious, it’s unlikely that Russia wants a full-blown confrontation with NATO.
The real danger lies in miscalculation or accident. A misfired missile, an inaccurate intelligence report, these could trigger a chain reaction leading to a much wider conflict.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Putin’s announcement about testing a new intermediate-range missile. Can you shed some light on that?
**Dr. Jones:** Yes, Putin claimed that Russia recently tested this new missile in response to the Ukrainian attacks. There are conflicting reports about the nature of the missile itself, with some suggesting it might have been an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), while others doubt it.
Regardless of the exact type, the testing itself is significant. It demonstrates Russia’s willingness to deploy advanced weaponry and underscores the increasing strategic use of missiles in the conflict.
**Interviewer:** What are the possible next steps?
**Dr. Jones:** As always, diplomacy is crucial. The international community must work to de-escalate the situation and urge restraint from all parties involved. Meanwhile, it’s vital for everyone to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential developments.
This escalation in Ukraine is a serious concern for global security, and we must continue to monitor the situation closely.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Jones, thank you for providing such valuable insights.
