Kremlin Warns of Escalation with U.S. Missile Use in Ukraine Conflict.
On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of American-supplied long-range missiles in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. This decision enables Ukraine to strike targets deeper within its territory, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Russia.
The Kremlin warned that such actions would represent a “radical change” in the dynamics of the conflict. A statement from Russia’s Foreign Ministry stressed that any Ukrainian use of these missiles on Russian soil would signify “direct involvement of the United States and its allies in military actions against Russia.”
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented, Dmitry Peskov, his press secretary, accused the U.S. of “provoking further tensions” and “fueling the fire” in the ongoing war.
Reports suggest that President Biden has allowed Ukraine to deploy the U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), previously restricted due to fears of escalating tensions between NATO and Russia. This policy reversal allows Ukraine to target military infrastructure more effectively and at greater distances.
Although the White House has not officially announced the decision, a German government representative confirmed that Berlin was informed of the move. The decision followed months of Ukrainian requests for advanced weapons to counter Russian advances.
Biden’s earlier hesitations stemmed from concerns that supplying such weapons could lead to direct confrontations between NATO and Russia. However, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, linked the decision to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.
Intelligence assessments from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine indicate that North Korea has sent approximately 12,000 combat troops to aid Russia in Ukraine’s Kursk region. This area has been a focal point of recent Ukrainian counteroffensives.
North Korea’s participation introduces a new layer of complexity to the conflict, prompting Biden to reconsider the potential benefits of providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry.
President Putin previously cautioned NATO against arming Ukraine with long-range weapons, warning of reciprocal actions. In June, he suggested that Moscow might supply similar weapons to other parties capable of striking Western targets.
Putin criticized Western nations for their approach, stating, “They supply weapons to Ukraine and claim no responsibility for their use. We can adopt the same strategy let them face the consequences.”
The decision has sparked a range of responses from global leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while restrained in his remarks, hinted at the potential impact of the new weapons, stating, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”
In contrast, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda hailed the decision as a “breakthrough moment” in the conflict. Meanwhile, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, avoided committing to a similar stance, emphasizing the risks of compromising “operational security” and potentially aiding Russia’s propaganda efforts.
The authorization of longer-range missiles introduces new uncertainties to the war. The potential for increased violence and further international involvement raises concerns about the conflict’s trajectory.
As Ukraine prepares to utilize its enhanced capabilities, the global community watches closely, recognizing the profound implications this decision could have on regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape.
