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 the military infrastructure of countries supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles?
## Interview with Dr. Helen Smith on Escalating Tensions
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, Dr. Smith. We’re seeing a worrying escalation in the Ukraine conflict. President Putin has warned that Russia might strike countries supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles. Could you unpack this threat for us?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly. This is undoubtedly a dangerous escalation from Putin.
He claims that, because Russia’s territory has been attacked with Western-produced long-range missiles, Moscow is now authorized to target the military infrastructure of the countries providing them. He’s essentially saying this is no longer just about Ukraine but a proxy war involving NATO members like the US and UK.
**Interviewer:** What’s the likelihood of Russia actually carrying out these attacks on NATO countries?
**Dr. Smith:** It’s a difficult question to answer definitively. On one hand, Putin’s rhetoric has been increasingly aggressive throughout this war, and he seems willing to take risks. On the other hand, a direct attack on NATO members is a massive gamble that could trigger a wider conflict with potentially catastrophic consequences.
It’s important to note that Putin also emphasized that Russia seeks peaceful solutions and is open to dialog. This might be an attempt to de-escalate the situation while simultaneously reinforcing his stance.
**Interviewer:** This threat comes after Russia tested a new intermediate-range missile allegedly in response to Ukrainian attacks. Could you tell us more about this missile and its implications?
**Dr. Smith:** The details are still emerging, but initial reports suggest this missile might be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). If confirmed, this is a worrying development because it represents a significant escalation in the types of weaponry being deployed in this conflict.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused Putin of using Ukraine as a testing ground for new weapons systems. While some Western officials are skeptical about it being an ICBM, the fact that Russia is openly discussing and potentially testing such powerful weapons is concerning.
**Interviewer:** What does this new phase of the war mean for the future of the conflict?
**Dr. Smith:** This escalation raises the stakes significantly. The possibility of Russia directly attacking NATO countries, even if unlikely, introduces a new level of risk and uncertainty into the situation. It also further underscores the urgency for diplomatic solutions.
The international community needs to work together to de-escalate tensions, encourage dialog between Russia and Ukraine, and ensure that this conflict doesn’t spiral out of control.
