
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that any move by NATO to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles would be seen as a direct act of war against Russia.
This statement comes amid growing indications that the United States and its Western allies are considering lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of American-provided long-range weapons systems.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Putin emphasized the gravity of such a decision. "This will mean that NATO countries the United States and European countries are at war with Russia," he declared. He further added, "And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us."
Putin also cast doubt on Ukraine's ability to carry out long-range strikes independently, suggesting that NATO's assistance is crucial for operating advanced high-precision systems. "The Ukrainian army is not capable of using cutting-edge high-precision long-range systems supplied by the West without NATO assistance in targeting," he said.
Currently, the United States has allowed limited cross-border strikes into Russia using American-provided arms but has not yet approved longer-range attacks. However, during a recent visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at a possible policy shift. "From day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we’ll continue to do that as this evolves," Blinken stated.
President Joe Biden's administration faces mounting pressure from lawmakers to ease these restrictions as Ukraine struggles to consolidate its advances in the Kursk region of Russia.
The potential lifting of these restrictions adds tension to the ongoing conflict and highlights the risk of escalating NATO's involvement.
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