Russian Officials Warn of Escalation Amid U.S. Approval of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine
The United States has authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory using U.S.-supplied long-range missiles, marking a significant shift in Washington’s policy in the ongoing conflict. This decision, disclosed by two U.S. officials and another informed source, has provoked strong reactions from senior Russian lawmakers, who warn of grave consequences.
Andrei Klishas, a senior member of Russia’s Federation Council, expressed grave concern, stating on Telegram, “The West has chosen a level of escalation that could result in the complete destruction of Ukraine’s statehood overnight.”
Similarly, Vladimir Dzhabarov, the first deputy head of the Federation Council’s international affairs committee, cautioned that Russia would respond immediately to this development. He described the U.S. decision as a major step toward triggering World War III, as reported by the state-run TASS news agency.
President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that Western involvement, specifically enabling Ukraine to strike within Russian borders with advanced weaponry, would alter the conflict’s scale and nature. He signaled that Russia would take “appropriate decisions” in response to such perceived threats.
Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma’s foreign affairs committee, underscored the risk of escalation. He remarked that strikes using U.S.-made ATACMS tactical missiles on Russian territory would provoke the harshest retaliation, potentially leading to unforeseen and severe consequences, according to Russian news agencies.
As tensions heighten, this decision underscores the deepening complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the potential for wider geopolitical ramifications. Both sides now brace for the next phase of this unfolding crisis.
