President Biden’s recent decision to permit Ukraine to utilize American-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia has ignited significant backlash from Moscow. The Russian government publication condemned the move as “one of the most provocative, uncalculated decisions” of the Biden administration, warning it could lead to catastrophic repercussions.
Russian MP Leonid Slutsky characterized the decision as a catalyst for serious escalation, while senator Vladimir Dzhabarov labeled it an “unprecedented step towards World War Three.” The sentiment of anger is echoed by Komsomolskaya Pravda, suggesting that this escalation was predictable.
The key focus now shifts to President Vladimir Putin’s response. Although he remained silent following the announcement, the Kremlin has previously communicated a clear message to the West: refrain from altering the use restrictions on long-range weapons that could enable strikes deep into Russian territory. President Putin warned in September that such actions would be seen as direct participation by NATO in the conflict.
In recent months, the Kremlin has hinted at significant changes to its nuclear doctrine, emphasizing its seriousness about the potential ramifications of Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil. President Putin has noted that perceived attacks on Russian territory could shift NATO’s status to that of direct adversaries.
In June, President Putin stated that if Ukraine was equipped to strike Russian targets, Russia would enhance its air defenses and consider providing its own advanced weapons systems to regions that threaten its national security. This marks a troubling strategic shift that could escalate tensions significantly.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko backed this notion in a recent interview, suggesting there are serious considerations within the Kremlin about retaliatory capabilities, including arming groups that could target Western assets in response to arms supplied to Ukraine.
Despite the tense atmosphere, some Russian media have sought to downplay the situation, suggesting the Russian military has previously intercepted similar missiles and speculating on potential changes in U.S. military assistance under an incoming administration.
As President Biden prepares to leave office and Donald Trump is poised to take over, the potential impacts of this transition on military support for Ukraine remain uncertain. Observers are left to wonder how this shift might influence Putin’s strategic decisions moving forward.
