President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range US missiles to strike inside Russia has triggered a strong reaction from Russian officials and media. Russian politicians have responded with alarm, with some calling it a provocative move that could escalate the conflict dramatically.
Russian MP Leonid Slutsky warned of serious consequences, while senator Vladimir Dzhabarov went as far as suggesting the decision could push the world closer to World War Three. However, pro-Kremlin media like Komsomolskaya Pravda described it as a “predictable escalation.”
The Kremlin has been consistently clear about its stance on long-range missile use. In September, President Vladimir Putin explicitly warned that allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory would be viewed as direct NATO participation in the war. He emphasized that this would mean NATO countries are effectively fighting against Russia.
Putin has previously hinted at potential retaliatory measures. In a June meeting with international news agency heads, he outlined two potential responses: improving Russian air defense systems and destroying incoming missiles, and potentially supplying similar weapons to regions that could target Western countries’ sensitive facilities.
Alexander Lukashenko, Putin’s close ally, further elaborated on potential retaliation strategies. He suggested Putin might provide advanced weapons systems to groups like the Houthi rebels, potentially enabling strikes on Western naval assets like aircraft carriers.
The current situation is complicated by the upcoming US presidential transition. In two months, Biden will be replaced by Donald Trump, who has been notably more skeptical about military assistance to Ukraine. This potential shift in US policy could influence Putin’s strategic calculations.
Some Russian media outlets have attempted to downplay the significance of the missile decision. A military expert quoted in Izvestia noted that Russian forces had previously intercepted similar ATACMS missiles and suggested that Trump might reverse Biden’s decision.
Putin himself remained notably silent immediately after the announcement, but his previous statements have consistently warned against such escalations. In October, he had already signaled potential changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which was widely interpreted as a warning to Western powers.
The decision puts both Russia and the West in a delicate diplomatic position. While Ukraine gains a potential strategic advantage, the move risks further escalating tensions and potentially drawing more countries into the conflict.
The Kremlin now faces a critical decision: how to respond to this significant shift in US policy without triggering a broader international confrontation. Putin’s next moves will be closely watched by global observers, as they could significantly impact the ongoing conflict and international relations.
