Vladimir Putin once again drew his famous “Red Lines” and made it clear: if the West agreed to Ukraine using long-range weapons against targets in Russia, he said, it would mean that NATO was “at war” with Russia.
“This would significantly change the nature of the conflict. It would mean that NATO countries are at war with Russia,” Putin told a state television reporter on Thursday.
If this decision were to be taken, “it would be nothing less than direct involvement of NATO countries in the war in Ukraine.” Putin apparently fears that NATO countries will allow long-range weapons supplied to Kiev to be used against targets in Russia.
Important appointment Friday
The issue of allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons is also likely to be a topic at a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday. In Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi again called for the release. So far, the US has limited the use of its weapons against Russia to defending the Russian offensive against the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.
Kiev is still in a difficult military situation: this is partly due to Russia’s continued air sovereignty. Russian bombers and fighter jets can attack Ukrainian positions, as well as cities and key infrastructure, especially for energy supply, from great distances. Ukraine does not have sufficient anti-aircraft weapons to intercept all attacks.
Kiev therefore insists on being allowed to fight the Russian air force on its own territory. This can only be done efficiently with missiles from NATO partners.
Putin raises the stakes
The Kremlin assumes that Ukraine will be allowed to carry out this operation against Russian territory. “Most likely, all these decisions have already been made,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian authorities. Putin has now significantly raised the stakes.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
