Russia has been outraged by President Biden’s decision to let Ukraine attack Russian territory with long-range U.S.-supplied missiles, therefore sparking fresh hostilities in an already unstable conflict. Reacting with a mix of wrath and gloomy predictability, Russian authorities, legislators, and media outlets framed the action as an escalation loaded with global dangers.
Why Does This Decision Make Russian Officials So Furious?
“One of the most provocative, uncalculated decisions of his administration,” the Russian official tabloid Rossiyskaya Gazeta said of Biden’s choice. It cautioned that the action could have disastrous results.
Russian MP Leonid Slutsky, leader of the pro-Kremlin Liberal-Democratic Party, foresaw significant repercussions. “This decision will surely result in a major escalation, threatening grave consequences,” he stated.
Reflecting this alert, Russian lawmaker Vladimir Dzhabarov said the U.S. action was “an unprecedented step towards World War Three.”
What Comment Does Dmitry Peskov Have on the Matter?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet responded personally; his spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, voiced the Kremlin’s criticism. “If such a decision has been taken, it means a whole new spiral of tension and a whole new situation about U.S. involvement in this conflict,” Peskov informed reporters. He charged the Biden government with “adding fuel to the fire and continuing to stoke tension around this conflict.”
How Do Western Leaders Respond to Russian Complaints?
Western officials contend that Russia, not the United States, has intensified the fight. Recent Russian moves highlight the Kremlin’s part in extending the conflict, including sending North Korean troops to fight alongside Russian forces and ongoing airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
Still, the Kremlin has often warned the West against allowing Ukraine to strike right into Russian territory. In September, President Putin indicated that these kinds of operations would be regarded as NATO’s “direct participation” in the conflict in Ukraine. “This would suggest that NATO nations are fighting with Russia,” he said.
What consequences follow from Russia's changes in its nuclear doctrine?
The choice fits the context of recent changes Russia’s nuclear policy underwent. Putin declared last month changes to the paper detailing the circumstances under which Moscow would employ nuclear weapons. This was regarded as an attempt to discourage NATO from providing modern weaponry for further support to Ukraine.
During a conference with international news sources, Putin hinted at future countermeasures in June. “First, we will, of course, improve our air defense systems,” Putin said when asked how Russia would react if Ukraine were granted missiles capable of striking Russian territory. We shall obliterate their missiles.
“If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to strike our territory and create problems for us, why can’s we supply our weapons of the same class to those regions around the world where they will target sensitive facilities of the countries doing this to Russia?” he asked in a veiled threat.
What Alert Regarding Long-Range Missiles Lukashenko Made?
In a recent interview, a close friend of Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, validated this thinking. Revealing he had spoken with Western officials, Lukashenko cautioned them, “Guys, be careful with those long-range missiles,” he urged.
He went further on possible retaliation situations: “The Houthi [rebels] can come to Putin and beg for coastal weaponry systems that can target ships with terrible force. And if he exacts retribution on you for arming the Houthis with the Bastion missile system, so arming [President] Zelensky with long-range weapons? If an aircraft carrier is struck? One from Britain or America. And what then?
Why are some Russian media outlets seeking to minimize the current situation?
Some Russian media sources have tried to minimize the matter despite the frenzy. “The Russian armed forces had already intercepted ATACMS missiles during attacks on the Crimean shore,” the Izvestia daily quoted a military specialist claiming. The publication claimed he would change Biden’s choice once President-elect Donald Trump takes office in two months.
How Will Putin's Reaction Change With U.S. Leadership Changing?
President Biden will leave office in about two months; Donald Trump will be in charge. The Kremlin is fully aware that Trump has been significantly more dubious than Biden regarding military support of Ukraine. As Putin decides on Russia’s action, this impending political change in the United States may substantially affect his calculations.
Moscow has kept its options open for now, but the Biden administration’s choice has sent a “whole new spiral of tension” into an already tense confrontation. Whether this signifies a turning point or just another chapter in the war’s continuous escalation is yet unknown.
