Russia Warns of Retaliation if US Missiles Target Its Territory
Russia has issued a stern warning, stating it will respond decisively if Ukraine uses US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside its territory.
In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry said such actions would signal “direct involvement of the United States and its allies in hostilities against Russia.”
This response follows President Joe Biden’s approval of Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, marking a significant shift in US policy. Biden’s decision comes just two months before he is set to leave office. It remains unclear whether President-elect Donald Trump was consulted or if he will uphold the decision. Trump has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
US Missile Support: A Game-Changer?
Ukraine has already received US-made ATACMS missiles, which have a range of 300 kilometers (190 miles), alongside French and British Storm Shadow missiles of similar capacity. However, Western nations had previously restricted Ukraine from using these weapons to attack Russian territory.
Biden’s decision to lift this limitation represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing war, now entering its 1,000th day. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, and the conflict has since reached a grinding stalemate on the battlefield.
North Korea’s Role in the War
The development coincides with reports that over 10,000 North Korean troops have arrived in Russia’s Kursk region to support Moscow’s efforts. Unverified reports suggest North Korea could deploy up to 100,000 soldiers, along with artillery and other weaponry, to aid its ally.
The presence of North Korean forces has raised international concerns. The US deputy national security adviser, Jon Finer, said Washington would respond to both North Korea’s involvement and Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Russia and Ukraine Escalate Attacks
Over the weekend, Russia launched intensified aerial strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, resulting in widespread blackouts and casualties. A missile strike on Odesa on Monday killed 10 people and injured nearly 50.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted at a low-profile implementation of the missile agreement. “The missiles will speak for themselves,” he remarked on Sunday. There are indications Ukraine may prioritize targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region.
Some analysts speculate that the US may have placed restrictions on the missiles’ use in Kursk as a message to North Korea and Russia.
Biden’s Decision Sends a Signal
Biden’s approval of long-range missile use, potentially to be mirrored by the UK and France, is seen as a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that a military victory in Ukraine is unattainable.
Putin has not commented on this latest development, though in September he warned that Ukraine’s use of such missiles would signify NATO’s direct participation in the conflict. On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the US of “adding oil to the fire.”
Trump’s Position on the War
President-elect Donald Trump has yet to respond to Biden’s decision. Having won the presidency on November 5, Trump is set to assume office on January 20.
Trump has promised to end US involvement in foreign conflicts and redirect resources toward domestic priorities. He has also claimed he can resolve the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, though he has not provided specifics on how he would achieve this.
Zelensky recently suggested Trump might push both Ukraine and Russia toward a peace deal within the next year, though the terms of such a deal remain uncertain.
