Putin warns NATO will be 'at war' with Moscow if Ukraine fires long-range missiles at Russia

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that if the West allows Ukraine to use Western-made long-range missiles against Russia, it would amount to direct NATO involvement in the conflict. He stated that such a move would significantly escalate the war, implying a direct fight with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Kstarma is in Washington for discussions, as the US and UK consider responding to alleged Iranian missile supplies to Russia, which they view as a dramatic escalation. The situation is delicately poised, with the West weighing its next steps carefully.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Vladimir Putin has made his most hawkish comments to date regarding the conflict in Ukraine, warning of direct NATO involvement if Ukraine is allowed to strike Russian territory with Western-made long-range missiles.
• 🗣️ Putin stated that such a decision would signify the direct participation of NATO countries, including the US and European nations, in the war, effectively meaning they would be at war with Russia.
• 🛑 Putin did not specify what 'appropriate decisions' Russia would take in response to NATO countries directly participating in the conflict but indicated they would be in line with the threats faced.
• 🤝 Ukrainian Prime Minister Kstarma is scheduled to meet with US President Biden to discuss the situation, suggesting a potential decision on providing Ukraine with long-range missiles is imminent.
• 🌎 The West is closely monitoring Putin's comments and is expected to discuss the implications of arming Ukraine with long-range capabilities during the upcoming Biden-Kstarma meeting.
• 📈 The US and UK believe the battlefield dynamics have changed due to Iran allegedly supplying Russia with ballistic missiles, which they view as a significant escalation prompting consideration of a response.
• 🧐 US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the need for a coherent strategy and the ability to maintain and use any advanced weapon systems provided to Ukraine, indicating a cautious approach to military aid.
• ⚖️ The situation is delicately poised, with the potential for Russia's wrath if the West proceeds with arming Ukraine, raising questions about Russia's possible retaliatory measures.
• ⏳ The West is weighing the risks and benefits of providing Ukraine with long-range missiles, with the understanding that such a move could escalate the conflict and provoke a strong reaction from Russia.
• 💡 The script highlights the complexity of the decision-making process for the West, as it considers not only the immediate military advantage but also the long-term strategic implications and potential for escalating the war.

Q & A

What did Vladimir Putin say regarding the conflict in Ukraine and the potential use of Western-made long-range missiles by Ukraine?

Vladimir Putin warned that if Ukraine were allowed to strike Russian territory with Western-made long-range missiles, it would amount to the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States, and European countries in the war, effectively meaning that they would be at war with Russia.

How did Putin describe the potential escalation if the West supports Ukraine with long-range missiles?

Putin characterized it as a significant change in the nature of the conflict, indicating that Russia would be compelled to take appropriate decisions in response to the threats they are facing.

What was the context of Putin's comments as reported in the transcript?

The comments were made as Ukrainian Prime Minister Kstarma was flying to Washington to discuss the conflict with the U.S. president, suggesting a heightened level of international engagement and concern.

What was the reporter's assessment of Putin's comments on the situation?

The reporter, Iva Bennett, suggested that Putin's comments were more than mere rhetoric, indicating a personal investment and a red line that, if crossed, could lead to a direct confrontation with the West.

What was the specific concern raised by Putin about Western support to Ukraine?

Putin was concerned that Western support would not only include the provision of weapons but also satellite communications for identifying targets and operational support, which he claimed would constitute active participation by NATO in any long-range strikes.

What was the immediate reaction from the West to Putin's comments?

The transcript does not provide an immediate reaction, but it is suggested that Western leaders, including President Biden and Prime Minister Kstarma, would be closely monitoring the situation and discussing it further.

What is the rationale behind the West's consideration to provide Ukraine with more advanced weaponry?

The West is considering a response due to claims that Iran has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, which the U.S. and UK view as a dramatic escalation, necessitating a potential change in their support strategy.

What factors does the U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, suggest are considered when deciding on military aid to Ukraine?

Blinken mentioned that decisions on military aid involve considerations of whether Ukraine knows how to use the systems, their ability to maintain the equipment, and whether the aid aligns with a coherent strategy to achieve clear objectives.

What was the U.S.'s stance on not ruling out certain types of military support to Ukraine as per Anthony Blinken's statement?

Blinken indicated that while they do not rule out any form of support, when they decide to provide aid, they ensure it is done in a way that advances Ukraine's objectives.

What is the potential risk if the West decides to arm Ukraine with long-range missiles, according to the transcript?

The risk includes provoking Russia's wrath, possibly leading to Russia following through on threats to arm the West's enemies or even resorting to nuclear threats, thus escalating the conflict significantly.

How is the situation described in terms of its current state of tension?

The situation is described as delicately poised, indicating a high level of tension and the potential for rapid escalation if certain actions are taken by either side.