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 are the potential ramifications of Putin’s threat to attack countries supporting Ukraine militarily?
## Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova on Escalating Tensions in Ukraine
**Interviewer:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us today. Recent reports indicate a significant escalation in the conflict in Ukraine, with Russian President Putin threatening to strike countries that provide Ukraine with long-range missiles. Can you elaborate on these developments?
**Dr. Petrova:** Indeed, the situation is extremely tense. President Putin’s latest statement suggests a dangerous shift in the conflict. His assertion that Russia considers itself authorized to attack countries aiding Ukraine militarily marks a potentially dangerous new phase. This is not just about Ukraine anymore; it implies a willingness to directly confront NATO countries providing critical support to Kyiv.
**Interviewer:** Putin also announced tests of a new intermediate-range missile used in an attack on Ukraine. Can you discuss the implications of this development?
**Dr. Petrova:** The use of this new missile system is a serious escalation. While details are still emerging, its deployment signals Russia’s increasing willingness to use more powerful weaponry. Putin’s statement that advance warnings will be issued before any further attacks with these missiles raises concerns about the potential for deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** How are Western officials reacting to these threats and actions?
**Dr. Petrova:** Western officials have expressed deep concern regarding Putin’s rhetoric and the use of the new missile. There seems to be doubt about classifying it as an intercontinental ballistic missile as initially claimed by Ukrainian authorities. However, regardless of its precise type, the deployment of a new, powerful weapon system undeniably raises the stakes.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential consequences of this escalation?
**Dr. Petrova:** The ramifications are far-reaching. This could lead to a wider conflict with potentially catastrophic consequences. It also further isolates Russia on the international stage and strengthens the resolve of Western nations to support Ukraine. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Petrova.
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