Russia's Response to U.S. Approval for Ukraine Strikes
The geopolitical landscape is shifting as Moscow grapples with the implications of Washington's recent decision to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has characterized this move as a significant escalation in tensions, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that this decision reflects direct U.S. involvement in the war, a sentiment echoed by President Vladimir Putin, who previously warned that such actions would be viewed as NATO's direct engagement in the conflict.
Concerns Over Military Capabilities
Despite the U.S. green light for Ukraine to use long-range missiles, military experts in Russia express skepticism about the effectiveness of this strategy. Colonel Viktor Litovkin pointed out that Ukraine lacks the necessary military personnel and equipment to execute successful strikes deep into Russian territory. He noted that the absence of sufficient ATACMS ballistic missiles further hampers Ukraine's operational capabilities. Moreover, Litovkin warned that if the U.S. proceeds with this decision, Russian forces will likely target the supply routes for these long-range weapons.
Potential Escalation and Future Dynamics
Political analysts predict that this decision could lead to a new escalation in the conflict. Andrei Ontikov highlighted that the Biden administration's actions might be an attempt to counter former President Trump's potential peace initiatives regarding Russia and Ukraine. He suggested that Moscow was already aware of the impending escalation, as evidenced by its recent intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The Kremlin appears to be adopting a cautious approach, aiming to avoid being drawn into a heightened conflict before the anticipated shift in U.S. leadership, which could alter the dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations.
