Russian Defense Ministry Highlights Western Weapons Range Threats
During a recent briefing, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, presented a detailed map illustrating the range of Western-supplied weapons to Ukraine. This briefing, attended by military attachés from various countries, emphasized the potential threats posed by these weapons to Russian territory. The map indicated that French Hammer aerial bombs have a range of up to 60 km, primarily targeting regions in the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as parts of Kherson and Zaporizhia, and extending into Kursk and Belgorod regions.
In contrast, longer-range systems such as American ATACMS, British Storm Shadow, and French Scalp-EG missiles pose a significant threat to a broader area, including Crimea and parts of southern Russia. The Tekever AR3 drones, with a striking range of up to 1,000 km, could potentially impact several regions across the North Caucasus and Volga Federal Districts.
Escalation of Conflict and Nuclear Deterrence Concerns
The escalation of the conflict in Ukraine has been attributed to the provision of long-range systems by the United States and NATO allies, enabling Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory. Gerasimov stated that this involvement effectively makes the US a direct participant in the conflict, raising concerns about further escalation. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov echoed these sentiments, warning that NATO's actions could lead to direct threats against Russia's security, potentially prompting discussions around nuclear weapon usage.
Ryabkov criticized the US for its aggressive policies, which he claims threaten global stability, particularly among nuclear powers like Russia, China, and North Korea. He emphasized the risks of a head-on collision between nuclear states, suggesting that the geopolitical maneuvers by Washington could have catastrophic consequences.
President Vladimir Putin has reiterated Russia's commitment to nuclear deterrence amidst rising tensions, asserting that strategic nuclear forces are crucial for maintaining stability and protecting national integrity. He also highlighted the need for advancements in missile systems to ensure Russia's security, indicating that non-nuclear hypersonic weapons have already been deployed in response to Western strikes on Russian territory.
