Putin threatens war with West if Ukraine acquires long-range missiles

President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that Russia would consider itself at war with the United States and its allies if restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range Western weapons are lifted. This threat, meant to dissuade NATO members from supporting Kyiv, comes ahead of a meeting in Washington where the issue is expected to be discussed. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to hold talks with President Joe Biden, who, along with other Western allies, appear open to allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russia. This move has been pushed for by Ukraine for months. Putin stated that if this were to happen, it would mean that NATO countries are at war with Russia, and appropriate decisions would be made based on the threats to Russia. Russia’s State Duma speaker echoed Putin’s sentiments, claiming NATO is already participating in military operations in Ukraine. Putin’s comments, which come as Russia engages in a major counteroffensive in the Kursk region, are part of a longstanding portrayal of the conflict in Ukraine as a clash with the West. While Kyiv currently has permission to use long-range Western weapons in specific circumstances, it is seeking authorization to target military assets deeper inside Russia. This shift in policy, which has been under discussion, is seen as a potential major escalation of the conflict. Despite this, the UK has expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Russia while acknowledging that Russia initiated and could end the conflict. In response to the situation, Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow over alleged “reconnaissance and subversive work.”

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