The Kremlin expressed strong disapproval Monday following reports that the U.S. has authorized Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.
Officials in Moscow accused Washington of escalating the nearly three-year-old conflict, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming this decision heightens U.S. involvement. Russia continues to label the war a “special military operation,” despite widespread global condemnation of its actions as an unlawful invasion of Ukraine’s sovereign land.
In recent months, Ukraine has seized control of parts of Russia’s Kursk region after a sudden cross-border operation in August. Ukrainian officials have been urging President Biden to lift limitations on U.S.-made weaponry, including systems capable of targeting Russian forces within its territory.
Putin hints at retaliation as Ukraine gains access to Western-supplied ATACMS missiles
American ATACMS missiles, which can reach targets up to 190 miles away, became partially available in May after Biden eased some restrictions. Reports suggest a broader U.S. approval followed Russia’s deployment of approximately 10,000 North Korean troops to bolster its front lines.
These developments reveals as President-elect Trump prepares to take office in two months, having vowed during his campaign to end the war swiftly. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin previously cautioned that granting Ukraine access to long-range missiles for attacks deep within Russia would cross a line, equating to NATO and the U.S. entering direct conflict with Moscow.
Peskov reiterated this sentiment Monday, emphasizing the potential consequences for the nature of the ongoing conflict. Although Putin has not disclosed specific retaliatory plans, he has hinted in the past at arming U.S. adversaries with Russian weapons to target Western nations.
Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, speaking at the G20 Summit in Brazil, declined to confirm reports about the U.S. policy shift but criticized Moscow for igniting the conflict through its invasion.
Finer dismissed Russian accusations of provocation, attributing the escalation to their own aggression, including intensified aerial strikes and North Korean troop deployments. In June, Putin warned of the possibility of deploying conventional missiles near U.S. and European territories if Ukraine received clearance to conduct deep strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the matter in his nightly speech Sunday, welcomed reports of U.S. policy changes but emphasized the need for concrete action. He remarked that words alone will not launch strikes, stating, “Missiles will speak for themselves. They certainly will.”
