Russia has issued a stark warning to the West, asserting that allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles could drag NATO into a direct conflict with Moscow. This follows growing discussions between U.S. and U.K. officials about loosening restrictions on Ukraine’s use of advanced Western weapons against Russian territory.
For months, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging Western allies to provide long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles to extend Ukraine’s reach deep into Russia. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that such a move would force Moscow to respond with serious consequences, possibly escalating the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders and bringing NATO into the war. Putin described the potential shift as a dangerous tipping point.
Putin’s latest warning follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Kyiv. During the visit, Blinken indicated that the U.S. is reviewing Ukraine’s requests and will “adjust and adapt” its military support as needed. However, the Pentagon has maintained that current restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied weapons remain in effect. Pentagon officials condemned Putin’s statements, calling them “reckless” and part of a pattern of nuclear intimidation.
“This kind of nuclear saber-rattling is irresponsible and dangerous,” a Pentagon spokesperson said. “At this point, we haven’t seen any actions that would require changes to our strategic posture, but we are closely monitoring the situation.”
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to discuss Ukraine’s request for long-range missile capabilities in an upcoming meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer, responding to Putin’s threats, emphasized that it was Russia who started the war, and only Russia can bring it to an end.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to push forward with their offensive operations in Russia’s Kursk region. President Zelensky acknowledged that Russian forces are counterattacking but reaffirmed that Ukraine’s military campaign is proceeding according to plan.
