9/12/2024 – On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning that the West would be directly engaged in conflict with Russia if Ukraine were permitted to strike Russian territory using Western-made long-range missiles. Putin emphasized that such a development would fundamentally change the nature and scope of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Facts
- Putin warns that supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles would mean direct NATO involvement in the war.
- Zelenskiy has been pushing for long-range missile capabilities to counter Russian attacks.
- Russia is revising its nuclear doctrine amid escalating tensions.
- NATO has provided approximately $150 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began.
- The ongoing war is viewed as the most significant confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cold War.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been advocating for months for the provision of long-range missiles, such as the U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, to enable Ukraine to target deep within Russian territory. He argues that this capability is essential to limit Russia’s ability to launch attacks against Ukraine.
In his remarks, Putin stated that if NATO countries decided to supply Ukraine with these missiles, it would signify their direct involvement in the conflict. He claimed that the operational aspects, including satellite targeting data and missile programming, would necessitate NATO military personnel’s involvement, thereby escalating the conflict. “This is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether or not NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict,” he told Russian state TV.
Putin’s comments come against a backdrop of increasing military collaboration between Russia and its allies, including China, as well as ongoing discussions about revising Russia’s nuclear doctrine. The Kremlin has hinted at potential retaliatory measures, although specifics remain undisclosed. Past discussions have included the possibility of arming adversaries of the West and deploying missiles within striking distance of NATO countries.
The West’s response has been characterized by a mix of support for Ukraine and caution against escalating the conflict. NATO has been providing substantial military assistance to Ukraine, amounting to approximately $150 billion, while also maintaining a defensive posture to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has highlighted the urgency of meeting Ukraine’s needs, stating that delays in support could have dire consequences on the battlefield.
The situation remains precarious, with the potential for a wider conflict looming. Analysts warn that the ongoing war could lead to a catastrophic escalation if NATO’s involvement deepens. As the conflict continues, the stakes for both Ukraine and the West grow higher, with the future of European security hanging in the balance.
Sources
- NATO’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- NATO and the Invasion, One Year On
- Diplomacy Watch: Ukraine pushes for direct NATO involvement in war
- NATO’s Biggest Test Since the Cold War Is Still Ahead
- NATO agrees to work on long-term military support for Ukraine
Read More
[1] https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_192648.htm
[2] https://www.csis.org/analysis/nato-and-invasion-one-year
[3] https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-commentary/2024-06-28/how-to-win-war-and-join-nato-key-role-ukraines-partnership
[4] https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ukraine-nato/
[5] https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2024/07/nato-summit-ukraine-russia-war?lang=en
[6] https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/05/should-nato-step-up-role-in-russia-ukraine-war/
[7] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/3/nato-chief-urges-members-to-provide-ukraine-with-long-term-military-help
[8] https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_37750.htm