Top Russian officials have issued threats to the West in response to the possibility of Kyiv firing Western-supplied long-range missiles into Russian territory. According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, “The decision is there, all the carte blanche, indulgences have been issued [to Kyiv]. Therefore, we will respond in a brutal way.” Ryabkov emphasized that there is a serious risk involved and accused opponents in Washington and London of underestimating the danger.
These threats were made as President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met to discuss whether Kyiv should be granted permission to strike targets inside Russia with donated long-range missiles. Prior to the talks at the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western nations that such a move would be seen as NATO’s direct involvement in the war. Putin stated that it would fundamentally change the nature of the conflict and imply that NATO countries are at war with Russia.
The United States has clarified its position by stating that it currently has no plans to allow Ukraine’s use of Western weaponry against Russia. White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed this stance before the Biden-Starmer meeting, explaining that there are no changes in policy regarding Ukraine’s access to long-range strike capabilities.
Dmitry Medvedev, former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, cautioned against underestimating Russia’s response. While he acknowledged that for now they will refrain from using nuclear force in retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikes, he warned that their patience may eventually run out. Medvedev stressed that although they talk about responding with weapons of mass destruction, they have not taken any action yet.
Medvedev also highlighted Ukraine’s recent attack on Russia’s Kursk region as a valid reason for using nuclear weapons but acknowledged their restraint due to recognizing the severe consequences such actions would entail. He emphasized that an apocalypse is not desirable and suggested alternative ways for Russia to inflict significant damage on Kyiv without resorting to nuclear weapons.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently called on Western allies to authorize missile use into Russia as a means of protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from continuous bombardment and bringing an end to the war.
No new commitments regarding Ukraine were made following Starmer’s visit. However, during their meeting at The White House both leaders expressed deep concern about Iran and North Korea supplying weapons to Russia while also discussing China’s support for Russia’s defense industry base.
