Russia Warns West Against Allowing Ukraine to Strike Deep into Its Territory, Citing Risk of Escalation

 

Russia has issued a stern warning to Western nations, cautioning that permitting Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep into Russian territory could lead to dire consequences, potentially escalating into a global conflict. The warning, delivered by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, emphasized that the ongoing Ukraine war could spiral into a much larger confrontation if such actions were taken.

Lavrov, who has been President Vladimir Putin's foreign minister for over two decades, accused the West of provoking further escalation by considering Ukrainian requests to lift restrictions on using foreign-supplied weapons for strikes deep within Russia. "The West is playing with fire by even considering these actions," Lavrov stated during a press briefing in Moscow. "They are behaving like children playing with matches, not realizing the grave dangers involved."

This warning comes after Ukraine launched an attack on Russia's western Kursk region on August 6, marking the largest foreign assault on Russian soil since World War Two. In response, President Putin vowed that Russia would deliver an appropriate retaliation for the attack.

Lavrov also addressed the broader implications of escalating the conflict, particularly concerning nuclear weapons. He criticized the notion that a potential Third World War would be confined to Europe, a view he attributed to some Western leaders. "Americans seem to think that any conflict involving nuclear powers would only affect Europe, but this is a dangerous misconception," Lavrov warned.

Russia's nuclear doctrine, updated in 2020, allows for the use of nuclear weapons if the state's existence is threatened. Lavrov hinted that Russia is currently "clarifying" aspects of this doctrine, underscoring the seriousness with which Moscow views the current situation.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has downplayed Kremlin threats of retaliation or nuclear war, describing them as bluffs. He has urged Western allies to reconsider restrictions on Ukraine's use of the weapons provided, advocating for more robust support in the face of Russian aggression. Zelenskiy argued that these restrictions hinder Ukraine's ability to target certain Russian military positions effectively, calling for bolder decisions from the international community.

The situation remains tense, with both sides issuing stark warnings and the potential for further escalation looming. The international community watches closely as the conflict continues to evolve, with the risk of a broader war becoming an increasingly pressing concern.