Russia Warns of Retaliation if US Provides Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles
Russia threatens response to potential US supply of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine. Kremlin claims decision already made, while US indicates ongoing considerations for long-range weapon provision.
On September 11, 2024, Russian officials issued a warning regarding potential consequences if the United States decides to provide Ukraine with long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about expanding military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, which began approximately 2.5 years ago.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, stated that Russia would implement an "appropriate response" if the US allows Ukraine to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory using ATACMS missiles. Peskov suggested that Moscow believes Washington has already made this decision, despite no official confirmation from the US government.
"To all these actions, the SMO (special military operation) is the response. Each of these decisions, taken by the collective West and then attributed to Ukraine, is an additional confirmation of the justification, necessity and inevitability of the SMO."
The term "special military operation" is used by Russian officials to refer to their military actions in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. This conflict has led to the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, with the United Nations condemning Russia's invasion as a violation of international law.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine since May 2019, has consistently urged Western allies to provide long-range weapons for striking targets within Russia. In response to inquiries about lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of missiles like ATACMS, Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, stated that his administration is currently evaluating the situation.
The United States has previously been cautious about supplying Ukraine with weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory, fearing potential escalation of the conflict. However, recent reports suggest that Washington may be nearing an agreement to provide such weapons, although technical issues could delay any shipments by several months.
It's worth noting that the US has already provided over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since 2022. The potential addition of ATACMS missiles, which have a range of up to 300 km and can be launched from the HIMARS system already in Ukraine's possession, could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains focused on the evolving situation in Eastern Europe. The provision of advanced Western weapons to Ukraine has been a contentious issue, with Russia repeatedly warning against such actions. Meanwhile, Ukraine, though not a NATO member, has been seeking closer ties with the alliance.
The ongoing conflict and potential escalation underscore the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war, with far-reaching implications for international relations and regional stability.
