Moscow [Russia], September 13: The US is reportedly close to agreeing to let Ukraine use long-range European missiles to attack Russian territory, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such action could spark conflict between Moscow and the West.
The New York Times on September 12 quoted European officials as saying that US President Joe Biden would not allow Ukraine to use US ATACMS missiles to attack Russian territory, but would not object to the use of similar missiles from the UK and France, Storm Shadow (called SCALP by France).
Meanwhile, a British defense source claimed that London did not need the support of any other NATO member to allow Ukraine to use its missiles.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukraine could not attack within Russian territory without Western support because Kyiv needed intelligence information from satellites and data for the missile's flight path, according to RT.
"If this decision is made, it means the direct involvement of NATO countries, the US and Europe in the conflict in Ukraine. Their direct involvement naturally changes the nature of the conflict. Therefore, Russia will make appropriate decisions based on the threat we face," Mr. Putin declared.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested that Western restrictions could be lifted this week, citing Iran's alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia .
Iran has denied the information and called it psychological warfare by countries supporting Ukraine while Russia has neither confirmed nor denied it.
Putin has previously warned NATO members to be careful of "what they are playing with" as he discussed plans to allow Ukraine to attack deep into Russian territory with weapons supplies. The leader said Russia would shoot down such weapons and respond to those responsible. Among the measures he mentioned was Russia supplying long-range precision weapons to Western adversaries.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper