Putin says West will be fighting directly with Russia if it lets Kyiv use long-range missiles

Putin’s Warning on Long-Range Missile Deployment

President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the West, declaring that if Ukraine is permitted to use Western-made long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, it would constitute a direct confrontation between the West and Russia. Such a move, Putin asserts, would fundamentally alter the nature and scope of the conflict.

Zelensky’s Pleadings

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has persistently implored Kyiv’s allies to grant Ukraine access to advanced Western missiles, such as the U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, capable of reaching deep into Russian territory. Zelensky believes that these missiles would significantly hamper Moscow’s ability to launch attacks.

Putin’s Assertions on NATO Involvement

In his most bellicose remarks to date, Putin maintains that the provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine would inevitably draw NATO countries directly into the conflict. He argues that NATO military personnel would be responsible for providing satellite targeting data and programming the missiles’ flight paths, as Ukraine lacks the necessary capabilities.

Putin’s Ultimatum

Putin has emphasized that Russia would be compelled to take “appropriate decisions” in response to such a threat. Although he did not elaborate on the specific nature of these measures, he has previously hinted at the possibility of arming Western adversaries with Russian weaponry for strikes against Western targets outside Russia. Additionally, Putin has discussed deploying conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European partners.

Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine Revision

Russia is also in the process of revising its nuclear doctrine, which outlines the circumstances under which Moscow would consider using nuclear weapons. Influential foreign policy hawks are urging Putin to modify this doctrine to explicitly state Russia’s willingness to employ nuclear arms against countries that actively support NATO’s involvement in Ukraine.

Russia’s Strategic Moves

In addition to its warnings on long-range missiles, Russia is conducting joint naval exercises with China and contemplating restrictions on essential commodity exports. These actions demonstrate Russia’s willingness to pursue various strategies to advance its interests and counter Western pressure.

West’s Considerations

Western nations are engaged in discussions regarding whether to allow Kiev to deploy long-range weapons against Russia. This deliberation is part of their response to Moscow’s alleged escalation of the conflict through its acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, an assertion that Tehran has dismissed as propaganda.

Historical Context and Putin’s Perspective

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a significant escalation in tensions between Russia and the West since the Cold War. Putin frames the conflict as an existential struggle against a perceived decline of the West, which he contends has encroached upon Moscow’s sphere of influence, particularly in Ukraine.

Western Response

The West and Ukraine have condemned the invasion as an imperialist land grab and have vowed to support Ukraine militarily until it achieves victory. Currently, Russia controls approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory.