Russian officials issued stark warnings to the West on Saturday, threatening an uncontrollable escalation of the war, while also directing specific threats toward Kyiv. The tensions rise as Western leaders discuss whether to authorize Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes deep inside Russian territory. Such strikes, if permitted, could mark a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine asserting that these capabilities are critical to its defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted the importance of these decisions late on Friday, stating that his plan for victory hinges on Washington’s approval for the strikes. Kyiv has long pressed NATO allies for the ability to conduct these deeper strikes to weaken Russia’s offensive capabilities. Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskiy’s office, echoed these sentiments, stating that strong decisions are necessary, with a focus on eliminating the military facilities from which Russia launches its attacks.
Russia has publicly announced to the world at the United Nations security council that any long-range NATO missiles used by Ukraine strikes Russian territory will be a formal declaration of war pic.twitter.com/IwEmrOi2tv
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) September 14, 2024
While there has been no official announcement regarding the decision to approve these strikes, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov suggested that such approval has already been granted and communicated to Kyiv. Ryabkov warned that Russia is prepared to respond with its own measures, stating, “We will react in a way that will not be pretty.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also issued a chilling warning, suggesting that the West is pushing Russia’s patience to its limits. He cited Ukraine’s recent military operations in Russia’s Kursk region as grounds for Moscow to use its nuclear arsenal. Medvedev further stated that Russia could either escalate to nuclear weapons or deploy other devastating non-nuclear weapons for a large-scale strike, ominously suggesting Kyiv could become “a giant, grey, melted spot.”
Some of Russia’s top officials issued threats to the West and said the response to Kyiv won’t “be pretty” if Ukraine gets permission to begin long-range strikes with Western-supplied weapons. https://t.co/aQdHAPmXa5
— The Hill (@thehill) September 14, 2024
Yermak dismissed these threats as signs of fear within the Russian regime, arguing that Putin’s rhetoric reflects concerns over losing control of the war’s momentum. Ukraine remains determined to continue its resistance and seeks the backing of Western allies to intensify its efforts to strike Russian targets and end the conflict on its own terms.
Key Points:
i. Russian officials threatened significant escalation, warning the West against allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes inside Russia.
ii. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that his victory plan depends on Washington’s approval for long-range strikes.
iii. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov hinted that Kyiv has already received approval for the strikes and warned of an intense Russian response.
iv. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned of potential nuclear or non-nuclear strikes on Kyiv if the situation escalates further.
v. Ukraine dismissed Russia’s threats, with Yermak suggesting that Putin’s regime fears losing control as Ukraine seeks more decisive actions.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News