In a stern warning to Western nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that lifting restrictions on missile use in Ukraine would escalate the conflict into a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. This comes amid reports of Russian military aircraft spotted off the coast of Alaska, raising concerns of heightened tensions between Russia and the West.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Putin emphasized that any move by NATO countries, including the United States and Europe, to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets would shift the dynamics of the war. He made it clear that such an action would be perceived as NATO’s direct involvement in the war.
“This will mean that NATO countries — the United States and European countries — are at war with Russia,” Putin stated. “And if this is the case, then, bearing in mind the change in the essence of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions in response to the threats that will be posed to us.”
The warning comes at a time when President Joe Biden and other Western leaders are facing increasing pressure to lift the U.S. ban on supplying Ukraine with American long-range missiles. Ukrainian officials argue that these weapons are crucial for their defense and for striking deep inside Russian territory, potentially shifting the course of the war.
While the Biden administration has maintained its stance on the missile ban to avoid further escalation, growing calls from both U.S. lawmakers and European allies are challenging this position.
Tensions between Russia and NATO continue to rise, with military maneuvers, airspace violations, and the ongoing war in Ukraine keeping the international community on edge.
This latest development marks a critical point in the ongoing conflict, with the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape depending on how NATO responds to Putin’s threats.
