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 Russia's energy exports correspond to the Asia-Pacific”>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 the emergence of Russia’s new intermediate-range missile factor into their overall strategy and messaging in the current conflict?
## Interview: Russia Threatens Escalation Over Long-Range Missiles
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Helena Petrov, a Professor of International Relations at Columbia University, to discuss the escalating tensions between Russia and NATO following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest warning. Doctor Petrov, welcome
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Dr. Petrov, President Putin has stated that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia would be considered a direct entry into the war by NATO. What are the implications of this statement?
**Dr. Petrov:** This is a very significant statement with potentially far-reaching consequences. Essentially, Putin is drawing a red line and clearly signaling his willingness to directly confront NATO if long-range missiles are deployed against Russian territory. This dramatically raises the stakes of the conflict and increases the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO, which could potentially lead to a catastrophic escalation.
**Host:** The news [ [1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/12/europe/putin-warns-nato-missiles-hnk-latam-intl/index.html) ]mentions that Russia has tested a new intermediate-range missile. What does this suggest about Russian intentions?
**Dr. Petrov:** The test is a clear demonstration of Russia’s military capabilities and a stark reminder of their potential to respond forcefully. It serves as a warning to both Ukraine and NATO, demonstrating Russia’s willingness to escalate the conflict if crossed.
**Host:** Some reports suggest that Putin’s threat could mean that Russia may target countries supplying these long-range missiles to Ukraine. Is this a plausible scenario?
**Dr. Petrov:** It’s certainly a possibility. Russia has consistently accused Western countries of directly fueling the conflict by supplying weapons to Ukraine. Putin’s statement suggests he may be willing to take direct action against those countries deemed to be actively participating in the conflict by providing these advanced weapons systems.
**Host:** The situation seems extremely tense. What are the possible next steps in this escalating crisis?
**Dr. Petrov:** This is a critical juncture. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and reach a negotiated settlement are vital. International pressure on all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation is crucial. The risk of miscalculation and unintended consequences is substantial, and the potential for a broader conflict is very real.
**Host:** Dr. Petrov, thank you for your valuable insights.
**Dr. Petrov:** You’re welcome. I hope we can move towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
