Russia threatens Ukraine, West as long-range strikes decision looms

Russia Warns of Escalation as Ukraine Seeks Approval for Strikes in Russian Territory

On Saturday, Russian officials issued stark warnings to the West about a potential escalation in the war, and threatened Kyiv with destruction. This comes as Western leaders weigh whether to grant Ukraine permission to use advanced weapons for deeper strikes within Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking late Friday, emphasized that Ukraine’s path to victory hinges on a crucial decision from Washington. The decision involves long-range strikes that Ukraine has been requesting from NATO allies for months.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, posted on Telegram, stating, “Strong decisions must be made. The terror can be stopped by targeting the military bases where it originates.”

Kyiv has consistently argued that long-range strikes are essential to limiting Russia’s ability to launch further attacks. However, Ukraine’s allies have been hesitant to allow such measures, fearing Moscow would see them as a significant escalation. Moreover, some have questioned the effectiveness of these strikes.

While no formal decisions have been made public yet, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov suggested the decision may have already been made behind the scenes. Ryabkov warned that Russia would be forced to take retaliatory measures if Kyiv is granted permission to launch these strikes.

“The decision has already been made, Kyiv has been given full freedom,” Ryabkov told RIA news agency. “We are prepared for anything.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, stated that the West was testing Russia’s patience. He added that Ukraine’s recent military actions in the Kursk region, which Zelenskiy hailed as a success, gave Russia the legal grounds to consider using its nuclear arsenal.

Medvedev warned that Russia could either opt for nuclear weapons or use other advanced, non-nuclear weapons in a large-scale attack. Referring to Kyiv, he said, “It could result in nothing but a giant, grey, melted spot where the ‘mother of Russian cities’ once stood.”

In response, Yermak noted the aggressive rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime. He said Putin’s loud threats only highlight his fear that the terror Russia has inflicted might soon be stopped.