Russia pledges a “tangible” reaction if US missiles launch on its land

Russia pledges a "tangible" reaction if US missiles launch on its land

Russia has warned that the deployment of US long-range missiles by Ukraine will provoke “an appropriate and tangible” response.

A statement from the foreign ministry indicated that an attack occurring within Russian borders “would signify the direct involvement of the United States and its allies in hostilities against Russia.”

In a significant shift in US policy, President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of missiles targeting locations in Russia, just two months ahead of his departure from the White House.

The extent to which President-elect Donald Trump was consulted on the decision remains uncertain, as does his commitment to uphold it, despite his pledge to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine possesses US ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) capable of reaching 300km (190 miles) alongside French and British Storm Shadow missiles with comparable range.

However, Western allies have prohibited Kyiv from utilising these weapons to strike Russia.

Biden’s choice to remove that condition represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, which reaches its 1,000th day on Tuesday.

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive military invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow has escalated its assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure, signalling a potential deadlock in the ongoing conflict on the battlefield.

The recent decision by the United States comes in the wake of the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have managed to capture and maintain control over a small area of land. This development is a significant move to bolster President Vladimir Putin’s military efforts.

Unverified sources indicate that North Korea could deploy up to 100,000 troops, along with artillery and additional weaponry, to support its ally.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has suggested that a formal announcement regarding the US deal may not be forthcoming, stating on Sunday, “The missiles will speak for themselves.”

Reports indicate that Ukraine might initially deploy the ATACMS in Kursk. Some sources suggest that the United States may have imposed restrictions on their use in that region as a message to North Korea, urging it to cease its support for Russia, as well as to Moscow itself.

The approval of long-range missiles by President Biden, potentially paving the way for similar decisions from the UK and France, is interpreted in Western circles as a clear message to the Russian leader: a military victory in Ukraine is unattainable.

The Kremlin has yet to state the recent development.

In September, the Russian leader asserted that Ukraine’s deployment of such missiles would signify the “direct participation” of NATO countries in the conflict.

On Monday, Putin’s spokesperson stated that the United States was “adding oil to the fire.”

Jon Finer, the US deputy national security adviser, stated that Washington has communicated to the Russians its intention to respond. This response pertains to both the deployment of North Korean forces and the significant increase in Russian aerial assaults on infrastructure throughout Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Ukraine experienced severe assaults on its power infrastructure by Russian forces, resulting in widespread blackouts across the nation. Several individuals have lost their lives or sustained injuries.

On Monday, a Russian attack on Odesa resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and left nearly 50 others injured.

Currently, Donald Trump has yet to respond to President Biden’s decision.

He achieved a decisive victory on November 5 and is set to make his return to the White House on January 20.

Trump has vowed to terminate US participation in overseas conflicts and redirect taxpayer funds towards enhancing the well-being of American citizens.

He claimed he would resolve the Ukraine war within 24 hours, yet he has not provided specifics on how he intends to achieve this.

Ukrainian President Zelensky anticipated that former President Trump would pressure Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement in the coming year.French President Emmanuel Macron praised Biden’s decision, calling it an “excellent” step forward.

The recent US authorisation may pave the way for France and the UK to allow Ukraine to deploy Storm Shadow missiles within Russian territory. The Storm Shadow is a long-range cruise missile developed through Franco-British collaboration, boasting capabilities akin to the ATACMS.

Neither President Macron nor UK Prime Minister Sir Keir has made any public statements regarding the potential approval for Kyiv to utilise their missiles similarly.

In a recent statement, Xi Jinping of China called on global leaders to “cool the Ukraine crisis” and pursue a political resolution, as reported by Chinese state media.

China has emerged as a crucial ally for Russia, aiming to mitigate the effects of sanctions from the United States and Europe following its extensive invasion of Ukraine.

Beijing has consistently refuted claims suggesting that it provides Moscow with arms.

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