13-9-2024 (MOSCOW) Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to the West, cautioning that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range weapons to strike targets within Russian territory would effectively put NATO “at war” with Russia. This admonition comes amidst discussions between US and UK officials regarding Kyiv’s request to ease restrictions on firing Western-supplied weapons into Russia.
The escalating tensions coincide with Moscow’s claim of recapturing territory in the western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had recently made advances. Putin’s remarks followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s promise to swiftly review Kyiv’s long-standing request for greater latitude in using Western-supplied weapons against Russian targets.
“This would significantly alter the very nature of the conflict,” Putin stated in an interview with state television. “It would mean that NATO countries, the US, and European nations are at war with Russia. In such a case, considering the change in the nature of the conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats we face.”
Blinken, speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, emphasised the United States’ commitment to adjusting and adapting as necessary, including the means at Ukraine’s disposal to effectively defend against Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Kursk region remains volatile. Ukraine launched a surprise incursion on 6 August, advancing several kilometres into Russian territory and seizing dozens of settlements. This marked the largest attack by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II, catching Moscow off guard as its invasion of Ukraine enters its third year.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have liberated 10 settlements within two days, as part of a counteroffensive operation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the Russian counteroffensive but maintained that the incursion was proceeding according to Ukraine’s plan.
The ongoing conflict has seen an intensification of Russian air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, particularly targeting the country’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Ukrainian officials reported that three Ukrainian aid workers were killed by shelling in eastern Ukraine, with Zelenskyy condemning it as “another Russian war crime”.
As the conflict escalates, Ukraine continues to push for more flexibility in hitting Russian military targets further from the front lines. Zelenskyy argued that delays in this process allow Russia to move these targets deeper into its territory. The United States currently authorises Ukraine to strike Russian targets only in occupied parts of Ukraine and some border regions directly related to Moscow’s combat operations.
The Kremlin has warned of an “appropriate” response if these restrictions are lifted. US President Joe Biden, who has been cautious about actions that could trigger direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States, is expected to review the Ukrainian requests in a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
