Putin draws new red line on long-range missiles

In a bold statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh warning to the West: do not let Ukraine use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin made it clear that such an action would be seen as "direct participation" by NATO in the ongoing war, drastically changing the nature of the conflict. Putin emphasized that allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with Western-provided missiles would mean that NATO, the U.S., and European nations are actively fighting Russia. He also claimed that Ukraine would need Western satellite data and NATO servicemen to operate these missile systems effectively.

This isn't the first time Russia has drawn a red line in the conflict. When Putin launched his "special military operation" on February 24, 2022, he warned that any interference from the West would bring unprecedented consequences. Despite these warnings, the West has continued to provide Ukraine with advanced military equipment, including tanks, missile systems, and, more recently, American F-16 fighter jets. Russia has accused Ukraine of using U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles to strike Crimea, and officials have repeatedly claimed that the West is fighting a proxy war against Russia. However, Putin’s recent remarks suggest that the use of Western missile systems against Russian territory would elevate the conflict to a new and more dangerous level.

What remains unclear is how Russia would respond if this red line were crossed. Putin hinted at a broader response but provided no specific details, saying Moscow would make decisions based on the threats it faces. In a previous address, Putin suggested that Russia could supply weapons to adversaries of the West, enabling them to strike Western targets in return. Additionally, Russia recently withdrew the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of subversive activities, further escalating tensions. There is also talk of revising Russia's nuclear doctrine, a move potentially linked to the West’s support for Ukraine. As Western leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, meet with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss Ukraine and the issue of long-range missiles, they face a difficult choice: whether to risk escalating the conflict or lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weaponry. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages