Russian lawmakers have warned that the decision by the United States to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with long-range missiles could escalate the conflict to the brink of World War III. This shift in US policy was revealed by two US officials and a source familiar with the matter on Sunday, marking a significant change in the course of the war.
Andrei Klishas, a senior member of Russia’s Federation Council, expressed concern over the escalation, stating on Telegram that the West’s actions could result in the destruction of Ukraine’s statehood. He warned that the situation could rapidly deteriorate, leaving Ukraine in ruins.
Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy head of the Russian upper house’s international affairs committee, also reacted sharply, describing the decision as a major step toward World War III. According to Russian news agency TASS, Dzhabarov emphasized that Moscow’s response would be swift and decisive.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that allowing Ukraine to use Western-made long-range missiles, such as the US-made ATACMS, would change the dynamics of the conflict and trigger direct confrontation between Russia and the West. He said that Russia would have no choice but to take “appropriate decisions” in response to the new threat.
Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma’s foreign affairs committee, said that the use of US missiles to strike Russian territory would lead to severe consequences, escalating the conflict to an unprecedented level. Russian news outlets quoted him warning that such actions would lead to a response that could have grave implications for global stability.
Meanwhile, Poland, a NATO member, expressed support for Biden’s decision, with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stating that the missile strikes sent a clear message to Putin, one that he would understand. Sikorski argued that strength deters aggression, and nations have the right to defend themselves.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long pushed for the US to authorize the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to target Russian regions. Putin, however, has repeatedly warned that such a move would be seen as NATO entering the war, raising fears of further escalation.