Moscow Warns of Escalation if West Arms Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles

A senior Russian lawmaker warned that Moscow would see the U.S. and its allies as parties to the Ukraine war and escalate with more powerful weapons if they provide Ukraine with long-range missiles. The warning comes amid ongoing tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

A senior Russian lawmaker warned on Wednesday that Moscow would perceive the United States and its allies as direct participants in the Ukraine conflict should they supply Kyiv with long-range missiles.

Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia's Duma, stated that Washington and European states like Germany, France, and Britain risk deepening their involvement in the war. He added that Russia would be forced to respond with more powerful and destructive weapons to safeguard its citizens.

Volodin's comments follow U.S. President Joe Biden's indication of an ongoing review to potentially lift restrictions on Ukraine's deployment of long-range weapons. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, an allegation Tehran vehemently denied. The conflict, which began in 2014, intensified in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, marking the most significant confrontation with the West since the Cold War.

(With inputs from agencies.)