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 credible is the possibility that the conflict in Ukraine could escalate into a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO?
## Interview with Geopolitical Analyst Dr. Smith on Putin’s Escalating Rhetoric
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the escalating tensions between Russia and the West, prompted by recent missile strikes and threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin. To help us dissect this complex situation, we have Dr. Smith, a leading geopolitical analyst. Dr. Smith, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with recent events. Putin has issued a direct threat, warning that Russia will target decision-making centers in Kyiv if Ukraine continues to use Western-supplied long-range missiles. This comes after Russia tested a new intermediate-range missile in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. How should we interpret these developments?
**Dr. Smith:** These are alarming developments that underline the increasing risk of escalation. Putin’s rhetoric is designed to intimidate both Ukraine and its supporters. By threatening Kyiv’s leadership directly, he aims to sow discord and potentially disrupt war efforts. The missile test, while likely intended initially as a show of force, reinforces the message that Russia is prepared to respond forcefully to any perceived threat.
**Host:** Some analysts suggest Putin might be using Ukraine as a testing ground for new weapons. How credible is this possibility?
**Dr. Smith:** There’s certainly an element of truth to that. Launching new weapons systems in a conflict allows for real-world testing under pressure. This can yield valuable data on performance and reliability. However, it’s also incredibly risky. Miscalculation or failure could have disastrous consequences, potentially widening the conflict.
**Host:** The situation has raised concerns about the potential for the war to spill beyond Ukraine’s borders.
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. Putin’s stated willingness to target countries supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons raises the specter of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. Such a scenario could have catastrophic global implications. While both sides are aware of the risks, miscalculation or accident cannot be ruled out.
**Host:** So, what should be done to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation?
**Dr. Smith:** First, clear communication is vital. All parties must refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and Clearly articulate their red lines. Open channels of communication need to be maintained to prevent misunderstandings. Second, increased diplomatic efforts are crucial. Multilateral negotiations aimed at finding a peaceful resolution are essential. the international community must stand united in condemning Russia’s aggression and providing unwavering support to Ukraine.
**Host:** Dr. Smith, thank you for providing your insightful analysis.
