Putin Warns of War if West Supports Ukraine’s Long-Range Weapons KYIV: Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned the West on Thursday that allowing Ukraine to utilize longer-range weapons for strikes within Russia could escalate into a direct conflict between NATO and Russia.
Putin warns that Western support for Ukraine’s long-range strikes could lead to war.As discussions between US and UK officials continue regarding Kyiv’s request to ease restrictions on the use of Western weaponry, Moscow has issued a stark warning about the potential implications. This dialogue comes more than two and a half years into the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense and dynamic. Recently, Moscow has claimed to have regained control over a significant portion of territory in its western Kursk region, which had seen recent advances by Ukrainian forces. This development highlights the ongoing fluidity of the conflict and the shifting front lines.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed these developments in a statement to state television, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He reacted to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assurance that Washington would expedite a review of Kyiv’s request for increased flexibility in using Western-supplied weapons against Russian targets. According to Putin, if the request were granted, it would fundamentally alter the nature of the conflict, essentially bringing NATO countries—including the US and European allies—into a direct state of war with Russia. He warned that such a significant escalation would necessitate Russia making corresponding adjustments based on the new threats
In response to Putin’s remarks, Blinken, who was speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine. He stated that the US would “adjust and adapt as necessary,” including considering changes to the types of military support available to Ukraine to help it defend effectively against Russian aggression.
The conflict has seen notable escalations recently. On August 6, Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region. This operation marked the most significant foreign military action on Russian soil since World War II. Ukrainian forces advanced several kilometers into Russian territory, capturing dozens of settlements. This move caught Russia off guard and added a new dimension to the prolonged invasion, which is now in its third year.
In response, Russia has mounted a counteroffensive. The Russian defense ministry announced via Telegram that units from the ‘North’ group of troops had managed to reclaim control over ten settlements within just two days. Despite the initial surprise and the large-scale evacuation of around 150,000 people from the region, Russia’s military efforts have been increasingly focused on reasserting control and countering Ukrainian advances.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the counteroffensive actions by Russian forces in a press conference in Kyiv. Although he did not provide extensive details about the scale of the Russian operations, Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian incursion was proceeding according to plan. He has emphasized that Ukraine does not seek to annex Russian territory but rather aims to use the gains as leverage to pressure Russia and divert its military resources, potentially influencing future negotiations.
The Ukrainian government has expressed a desire for more freedom in targeting Russian military infrastructure. Currently, US authorization limits Ukrainian strikes to targets within the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to combat operations. Kyiv argues that extending the range of permissible targets to include Russian airfields and other military sites further inside Russia could significantly impact Moscow’s capacity to sustain its invasion. Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky, have criticized the delays in the review process, stating that Russia is moving critical military assets deeper into its territory as a response.
The Kremlin has signaled that it would respond “appropriately” if the restrictions on Western weapon usage were lifted. This response underscores the high stakes and potential for further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
On Friday, President Joe Biden is anticipated to evaluate Ukraine’s requests during a meeting at the White House with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This meeting is expected to be pivotal in addressing Kyiv’s demands for greater flexibility in using Western-supplied weapons against Russian targets. Biden’s approach to this issue has been cautious, reflecting his concern about actions that could escalate into direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States.
The sensitivity of this matter is underscored by the broader context of ongoing negotiations and military actions. Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Poland following a visit to Kyiv, indicated that he would also address an appeal from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. Sybiga has called on neighboring countries to assist in intercepting and shooting down Russian missiles that are targeting Ukraine’s western regions. This appeal comes as Russia has intensified its air assaults on Ukraine, particularly as the country prepares for the winter months.
In recent weeks, the escalation of Russian air attacks has included strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation. The increased pressure from Moscow is not limited to air assaults; it also extends to ground operations, especially in the eastern Donetsk region, where some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict is occurring.
The humanitarian impact of these attacks has been severe. On Thursday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Ukrainian officials reported that three Ukrainian aid workers had been killed by shelling in eastern Ukraine. This incident, which involved a direct hit on ICRC vehicles in the Donetsk region, has been condemned by President Volodymyr Zelensky as “another Russian war crime.” The death of these aid workers underscores the dangerous conditions faced by those providing essential support in conflict zones.
Additionally, the city administration of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistical hub in eastern Ukraine located approximately 10 kilometers (about six miles) from the front line, reported that Russia had cut off the city’s water supply. This action exacerbates the suffering of civilians in an area already heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.
In another troubling development, President Zelensky reported that a cargo ship bound for Egypt, carrying wheat, was struck by a Russian missile in the Black Sea shortly after leaving Ukrainian waters. This incident highlights the broader implications of the conflict on global food supply chains and maritime security.
These recent events illustrate the escalating nature of the conflict and the increasing challenges faced by Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russian aggression and seeks international support.