Russia Warns of Severe Response if US Missiles Strike Its Territory
Russia has issued a stark warning, declaring it will take “tangible and appropriate” measures if Ukraine uses American long-range missiles against Russian territory. Moscow stated that such an act would signify direct U.S. involvement in the conflict, along with its allies, intensifying tensions in the already volatile war.
The Russian foreign ministry’s statement follows a pivotal decision by U.S. President Joe Biden, who approved Ukraine’s use of the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) to target Russian positions. This marks a significant departure from previous Western policy, which prohibited Kyiv from using Western-supplied weaponry to strike inside Russia.
Biden’s move, announced just two months before his departure from the White House, has sparked debate about its timing and impact. It remains unclear whether incoming President-elect Donald Trump was consulted or whether he will uphold this decision. Trump has consistently pledged to prioritize domestic issues and bring the war to a swift conclusion.
A Shift in Strategy
Ukraine has already been equipped with ATACMS missiles boasting a range of 300 kilometers (190 miles) and similar-range Storm Shadow missiles from the UK and France. However, Western nations had previously placed strict limits on their use. The lifting of these restrictions signals a turning point in the conflict, which has now lasted over 1,000 days.
While the battlefield remains at a stalemate, the decision underscores a clear message from the U.S. and its allies to Russian President Vladimir Putin: a military victory for Moscow is not on the table.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, hinting at the strategic significance of the move, stated, “The missiles will speak for themselves.” Reports suggest Kyiv may deploy these weapons in the contested Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have managed to gain a foothold.
North Korean Troops Enter the Fray
Adding another layer of complexity, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly arrived in Russia’s Kursk region to bolster Putin’s forces. Unconfirmed reports indicate Pyongyang could send up to 100,000 troops, alongside artillery and other weaponry, further deepening its alliance with Moscow.
Western analysts speculate that the U.S. decision to allow missile strikes in Kursk may also serve as a warning to North Korea, discouraging it from escalating its involvement in the conflict.
Rising Hostilities
The latest developments come amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, including deadly strikes that have left parts of the country in darkness. Over the weekend, Russian missiles battered Ukraine’s power grid, killing several civilians and causing widespread blackouts. On Monday, a Russian strike in Odesa killed 10 people and injured nearly 50.
The U.S., meanwhile, has accused Russia of escalating the war. Jon Finer, the U.S. deputy national security adviser, stated that Washington has communicated its readiness to respond to Russia’s actions and the arrival of North Korean forces.
What Lies Ahead
Donald Trump, set to assume the presidency in January, has yet to comment on Biden’s decision. During his campaign, Trump vowed to end U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and focus on rebuilding America. He also promised to bring the Ukraine war to a swift end, claiming he could do so within 24 hours, though he has not outlined his approach.
As the conflict enters a critical phase, the world watches closely to see whether these developments will tip the balance or further entrench the stalemate.
