Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued stern warnings to the West, stating that if restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles are lifted, it could escalate to a direct war between NATO and Russia. His comments came as the U.S. and U.K. discuss allowing Ukraine to target deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles, including British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Putin framed this potential shift as NATO’s direct involvement in the conflict, escalating tensions significantly. Putin emphasized that allowing Ukraine to strike Russian targets would be seen as a declaration of war, saying that “the West risks being directly at war with Russia if it enables Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian territory” (CNA, Politico). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the removal of restrictions on these missile strikes, arguing that it would allow Ukraine to defend itself more effectively by targeting key Russian military installations. Politico and Channel News Asia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning to NATO leaders, stating that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range Western missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory would be considered an act of war. His comments came amid discussions within NATO and the U.S. regarding the potential lifting of restrictions on Ukrainian forces’ use of Western-supplied long-range weaponry.
WW3 WATCH: Putin Warns Authorization to Fire Long-Range Missiles Deep Inside Russia Will Mean NATO Is at War With Russia https://t.co/cwxgmY6HAD #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— GreatDaneDaddy (@GreatDaneDaddy1) September 13, 2024
During a press briefing, Putin emphasized that such a move would signal direct involvement by NATO countries, including the U.S. and European allies, in the war. He cautioned that Russia would respond decisively to any threats posed by these new developments.
The discussions follow increasing pressure from U.S. lawmakers and Ukrainian leaders to permit long-range strikes against Russian military targets, particularly as Ukraine struggles to maintain battlefield momentum in the second year of the war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a shift in NATO’s strategic approach during a recent visit to Kyiv, suggesting that policies might adapt as the war continues to evolve.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also traveled to Washington to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden, where discussions are expected to focus on the future use of Western weapons systems, including potential long-range strikes within Russian borders. While the U.S. has previously allowed limited cross-border strikes, it has not yet approved the use of longer-range systems such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which Kyiv has repeatedly requested.
Putin expressed doubts about Ukraine’s ability to execute such long-range strikes independently, claiming that NATO assistance would be required for effective targeting. While the U.S. has provided intelligence support to Ukraine, the extent of its involvement in long-range operations remains unclear.
Putin warns Ukraine use of long-range arms will put NATO at war with Russia – Al Jazeera English https://t.co/AJvxgb41us via @GoogleNews
— HEM News Agency (@halfeatenmind) September 13, 2024
Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and the U.K. escalated as Russia expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage, an accusation that Britain dismissed as baseless.
As the war intensifies, NATO and the U.S. must carefully weigh the potential consequences of further arming Ukraine with long-range missile systems. Any decision to do so could significantly escalate the conflict and draw Western countries deeper into direct confrontation with Russia.
Key Points:
i. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO’s lifting of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles would be considered an act of war.
ii. U.S. and NATO allies are increasingly open to allowing Ukrainian forces to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory.
iii. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have discussed the potential shift in weapons policy.
iv. Putin claimed Ukraine would need NATO’s help to carry out long-range strikes, raising concerns about direct Western involvement.
v. Russia escalated tensions with the U.K. by expelling six British diplomats, accusing them of spying.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News