2024-09-14 11:52:36
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a stern warning to NATO countries. Putin has said that if NATO allows Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia, he will consider it a declaration of war. He said that he will see this move of NATO as a direct entry into his war. Putin’s statement has come at a time when the US and Western countries are indicating lifting the ban on the use of long-range weapon systems for Ukraine. These missiles have been given to Ukraine by the US. Putin believes that the Ukrainian army is not capable of using long-range missiles without NATO’s help.
According to a CNN report, Putin said in a conversation with the media on Thursday, ‘The lifting of the missile ban from Ukraine will directly mean that NATO countries, America and European countries are also at war with Russia. In such a case, keeping in mind the change in the conflict, we will take appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will come to us.’ There have been indications of lifting the ban from the US, but President Joe Biden’s administration has not yet given permission for long-range attacks.
Conflict can become fatal due to use of missile
US officials have expressed concern that allowing Ukraine to attack inside Russia could escalate the conflict. It would also give Russia an opportunity to accuse the US of being drawn into the war. A US official told CNN that intelligence shows Russia is cautious about using missiles and has moved many assets out of reach of long-range attacks.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Ukraine. In the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Blinken said that the White House could lift some sanctions in line with the strategic change. He said that you have constantly heard me say that we have taken decisions according to the needs. Today when the battlefield and methods have changed. In such a situation, there is no doubt that as things change, we will take decisions accordingly.
If the ban is lifted, a large part of Russia will be under the control of the Ukrainian army
The US delivered long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles to Ukraine in October 2023. Their range is about 180 miles (290 kilometers). Ukraine has been constantly calling on its Western supporters to allow its use. These missiles will give Ukraine a longer reach inside Russian territory. This could make the conflict more deadly.