US Authorization for Ukraine to Use US Missiles Could Escalate Conflict, Says Russian Lawmaker
The approval by Washington for Ukraine to utilize US long-range missiles against Russia is a significant move towards escalating the conflict into a world war, according to a Russian legislator. The chairman of the defense committee of the Russian parliament’s lower house, Andrei Kartapolov, asserts that this development will not alter the trajectory of the ongoing military operation. He insists that Russia will continue with its missions as it has always done.
Kartapolov stated that while this factor will be considered, the objectives set by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine will still be accomplished. The confirmation of this strategic shift by a US official came shortly before the potential return of Donald Trump to US power, following a weekend of extensive Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Russian Reaction to Western Involvement
In September, President Putin cautioned that such approval from the West would equate to the direct involvement of NATO countries in the Ukrainian conflict. To counter these missiles, Kartapolov explains that it would be necessary to prevent the airplanes carrying them from taking off. Therefore, Russia is prioritizing targeting airfield infrastructure.
Kartapolov warns that even though Ukraine claims its intention to strike military targets, they often end up hitting cities and populated areas, posing a real threat. He reminds that President Putin has already indicated what this would mean for Western allies.
Escalation of the Conflict
The Russian lawmaker further suggests that this unprecedented step by the US could lead to the outbreak of World War III, and that Russia’s response would be immediate. He emphasizes that this decision, driven by the US, could have far-reaching and potentially dangerous consequences.
