Amid reports that the U.S. has allowed Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, Russian politicians warned that this could lead to a third world war. Western countries, including the UK and France, are also expected soon to permit the use of long-range missiles in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma’s International Affairs Committee, described the approval of ATACMS missiles as “a very big step towards the start of World War Three,” adding that “Moscow will respond immediately.” Andrei Klishas, chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Constitutional Committee, warned via Telegram, “The West has decided on such a level of escalation that it could end with the Ukrainian statehood in complete ruins by morning.”
This escalation follows a New York Times report, citing U.S. officials, that President Joe Biden has authorized strikes on Russian territory using ATACMS, a long-awaited capability for Ukraine. Until now, the U.S. had restricted the use of long-range missiles provided to Ukraine for defensive purposes only.
Reports suggest Ukraine plans to carry out its first long-range strike on Russian territory within a few days. Both The New York Times and The Washington Post, citing anonymous U.S. officials, noted that Biden’s approval is linked to Russia’s decision to involve North Korean troops in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if the West permits strikes on Russian territory, it would mean direct involvement in the Ukraine war. Previously, when Ukrainian forces attacked Crimea with ATACMS in June, Russia reacted strongly, summoning the U.S. ambassador to Russia. With the U.S. allowing the use of ATACMS, analysts expect that the long-range Storm Shadow missile, jointly developed by the UK and France, will also be permitted for use in Ukraine.
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