Kremlin Warns of Potential Escalation Over Western Missile Aid to Ukraine

The Kremlin urges people to revisit President Vladimir Putin's warning about the West engaging directly with Russia if Ukraine uses Western long-range missiles to attack Russian territory. The Kremlin clarified that Russia's stance on nuclear testing remains unchanged unless the U.S. resumes its tests. Putin emphasized the potential direct involvement of NATO and western countries in the conflict.

The Kremlin on Tuesday advised people to revisit President Vladimir Putin's warning about the West directly engaging with Russia if Ukraine uses Western-made long-range missiles to strike Russian territory.

In a conference call, the Kremlin was asked whether allowing Kyiv to proceed with such strikes might lead Moscow to reconsider its stance on nuclear testing. Putin's arms control representative affirmed on Monday that Russia would not conduct a nuclear test unless the United States did so first. This statement follows speculation that Russia might abandon its post-Soviet nuclear test moratorium.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Putin had clearly stated Russia's position in St. Petersburg. He reiterated that if the West allowed missile strikes on Russian territory, it would signify direct NATO involvement in the Ukraine conflict, fundamentally altering its nature. Putin hinted at countermeasures but did not specify them. He has previously mentioned arming Western adversaries and deploying missiles near the U.S. and its allies. Russia is currently revising its nuclear doctrine.

(With inputs from agencies.)