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.
#Escalation #Mirror #response #conflict #global #Tempo
What steps can the international community take to encourage de-escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
## A Dangerous Escalation?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today to discuss the recent escalation in the war in Ukraine, we have Dr. [guest’s name], a leading expert on international relations. Dr. [guest’s name], thank you for joining us.
**Dr. [guest’s name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** President Putin recently warned that the war in Ukraine has taken a global turn after Western long-range missiles were used to attack Russian territory. He has even threatened to target countries supplying these weapons. How serious is this threat?
**Dr. [guest’s name]:** This is a very serious development. Putin’s rhetoric suggests a dangerous willingness to escalate the conflict beyond Ukrainian borders. While Russia has made similar threats in the past, the recent use of long-range missiles, including ATACMS and Storm Shadow, coupled with Putin’s direct warning, raises the stakes considerably.
**Interviewer:** Putin also announced the testing of a new intermediate-range missile in retaliation for these attacks. This comes amidst a new phase of the war, with both sides increasingly employing these powerful weapons. What are the implications of this new dynamic?
**Dr. [guest’s name]:** The use of long-range missiles marks a significant escalation. It increases the risk of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, not just in Ukraine but potentially in neighboring countries as well. This could further inflame tensions and draw more countries into the conflict, either directly or indirectly.
**Interviewer:** What steps can be taken to de-escalate this situation and prevent the conflict from spreading?
**Dr. [guest’s name]:** This is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, it is critical that all parties involved prioritize diplomacy and dialogue. Establishing clear communication channels and setting up mechanisms for conflict resolution are essential to prevent misunderstandings and accidental escalation.
It is also crucial for the international community to exert pressure on all sides to uphold international law and refrain from actions that could further escalate the conflict. This includes responsible arms transfers and strong condemnation of any attacks on civilian targets.
**Interviewer:** Dr. [guest’s name], thank you for your insights. This is clearly a dangerous and volatile situation that requires careful consideration and a commitment to peaceful resolution.
**[End of Interview]**
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