Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a grave warning to the West on Thursday, asserting that allowing Ukraine to use longer-range Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory would effectively mean that NATO is at war with Russia. Putin’s comments came amidst discussions between US and UK officials regarding Ukraine’s request for greater flexibility in using Western-supplied arms.
“This would significantly change the nature of the conflict,” Putin stated, emphasizing that such a move would lead to NATO countries, including the US and European nations, being considered as participants in the conflict. He warned that Russia would take appropriate actions in response to this escalation.
US and UK Discussions on Weapons Flexibility
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Warsaw, confirmed that Washington would review Kyiv’s request for increased leeway to target Russian positions with Western weapons. Blinken stressed that the US would adapt its support to ensure Ukraine can effectively defend itself against Russian aggression.
Russian Counteroffensive and Territorial Gains
In response to a major Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on August 6, Russia has claimed to recapture significant territory. Moscow’s defense ministry reported that Russian troops liberated ten settlements within two days. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the Russian counteroffensive but maintained that Ukraine’s strategy is proceeding according to plan.
Kyiv’s Strategic Goals and International Reactions
Ukraine has expressed a desire for more flexibility to target Russian airfields and military assets further from the front lines. Kyiv aims to use these strikes as leverage in future negotiations, hoping to force Russia to divert its troops. Washington currently restricts Ukrainian strikes to Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian areas and border regions directly related to combat operations.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
The conflict continues to escalate, with Russia increasing air attacks on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Recent reports include the deaths of three Ukrainian aid workers due to shelling in Donetsk and damage to a cargo ship in the Black Sea. These developments underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the severe impact of the conflict on both civilian and military fronts.
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