Threats from Moscow: Putin warns the West of escalation

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin issued stern warnings to the United States and its Western allies on Thursday. If they allow Ukraine to deploy weapons deep inside Russia, such actions would lead his country into a war with NATO, according to Putin. The Russian President made these statements in an interview with a state television broadcaster, just one day before the scheduled meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington. The meeting will focus on discussions about lifting the restrictions on Kyiv's use of Western long-range weapons in the war against Russia. Over the 30 months of the war, Ukraine's Western supporters have continuously increased their military aid. In addition to tanks and fighter jets, long-range missiles have also been supplied to Ukraine. Despite earlier threats, Putin has so far not extended the war beyond Ukraine's borders. However, the statements on Thursday were among his clearest indications of a possible war scenario with NATO. Putin emphasized that the West would not only provide hardware but also strategic information and technology, which would significantly alter Western involvement and Russia's response. This was Putin's response to a question from a Russian state reporter: "In recent days, we have heard at very high levels in Britain and the USA that the Kyiv regime could be enabled to strike targets deep inside Russia with Western long-range weapons. Apparently, this decision is imminent or has already been made. This is truly extraordinary. Can you comment on what is happening? President Putin: What we see is an attempt to replace terms. It is not about whether the Kyiv regime is allowed to attack targets on Russian territory or not. It is already carrying out attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles and other means. But the use of Western precision long-range weapons is a completely different story.” The tense situation could escalate further in the coming days, particularly with regard to the upcoming diplomatic talks in Washington.