Putin Warns NATO of Direct Conflict if Ukraine Uses Long-Range Western Weapons on Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if Western nations allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian targets, it would effectively mean that NATO is at war with Russia. His remarks come as the US and UK consider easing restrictions on Kyiv's use of such weapons, a move Ukraine has been pushing for more than two years into the ongoing conflict.

Putin emphasized that this would significantly alter the nature of the war. "It would mean NATO countries, the US, and European nations are in direct conflict with Russia," he told state television. He also stated that if this happens, Russia would respond with actions based on the new level of threat.

The comments followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's suggestion that Washington may soon lift its limitations on Ukraine's use of long-range Western-supplied weapons. Speaking alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a visit to Kyiv, Blinken reiterated that US policies would continue to adapt as the battlefield situation evolves. Lammy also noted that Iran’s recent delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia has raised alarm, calling it a "dangerous escalation."

There are indications that the UK may soon officially approve Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets. Although this decision may not be publicly announced during an upcoming meeting between US President Joe Biden and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, the leaders are expected to discuss the broader strategy to end the conflict in Ukraine without focusing heavily on specific weapons systems.