President Joe Biden’s reported decision to authorize Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles for strikes inside Russia has provoked a fierce reaction from Russian officials and state media, with warnings of severe escalation.
“Permission to launch American missile strikes deep into Russia is an unprecedented step that will lead to the start of World War III, but Russia’s response will be immediate,” Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, told TASS.
“I think that they will not take us by surprise. I believe in this. Nevertheless, this is an unprecedented step. This is a very big step towards the beginning of the third world war, and the Americans will do it with the hands of a departing old man who will no longer be responsible for anything in two months,” Dzhabarov told the media outlet.
READ: Biden Approves Limited Use Of U.S.-Provided ATACMS For Ukrainian Strikes In Russia
“I think that Russia’s response will be immediate,” Dzhabarov said. “I hope that our air defense will cope with such attacks. We have a strong air defense system. The retaliatory strike will be such that all decision-making centers in Ukraine, all bridges across the Dnieper, could be demolished. The strike could be of terrible force.”
Dzhabarov told the outlet, “It is in vain that the outgoing Democrats are committing such a dirty provocation They are essentially reducing Trump’s degree of freedom. Trump has started talking about peace, many of his protégés are saying that it is necessary to stop the war, even Scholz has started calling our president, some positive movements have begun.”
Putin’s Past Warnings and Nuclear Doctrine Changes
Though Putin has not directly commented on the latest development, his previous statements have been clear. In September, the Russian president cautioned that allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with long-range missiles would be seen as “direct participation” by NATO in the conflict.
He suggested this could lead to a broader confrontation, effectively framing it as a conflict between Russia and NATO countries.
Following these warnings, Putin announced forthcoming changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine in October, signaling a possible adjustment in the conditions under which Moscow might consider using nuclear weapons. The move was widely interpreted as a veiled threat to the West, urging restraint in providing advanced weapons to Ukraine.
Hints at Retaliation: Russia’s Potential Response
Putin has previously hinted at how Russia might respond if Western-supplied weapons were used against its territory. During a June meeting with international news agency representatives, he stated that Russia would enhance its air defenses and actively intercept incoming missiles.
He also suggested that Moscow could consider supplying similar weapons to adversaries of Western countries, potentially targeting sensitive facilities abroad.
READ: Kremlin Sets Aggressive Terms For Ukraine “Peace” Talks Ahead Of Trump Inauguration
North Korea Expands Military Support for Russia
North Korea is reportedly increasing its military assistance to Russia, providing weapons systems and potentially preparing additional troop deployments. According to a report from the Financial Times (FT) on November 17, citing Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea has delivered a range of artillery systems to Russia, including 50 170mm “Koksan” self-propelled howitzers and 20 240mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
The report noted that these North Korean weapons have been deployed by Russian forces in the Kursk region, giving North Korean military personnel the opportunity to test their artillery systems in active combat conditions. Analysts believe this deployment will provide valuable operational experience for North Korean forces, despite the limited long-term impact on Russia’s broader military capabilities.
Bloomberg reported on November 17 that North Korea may send as many as 100,000 troops to support Russian military efforts if relations between the two countries continue to strengthen. Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Kremlin-backed Rybar Telegram channel, claimed that while North Korean troops have less combat experience than their Russian counterparts, their deployment could alleviate pressure on Russian forces. This would reduce the need for additional recruitment or a potential new partial reserve mobilization.
READ: Russia Deploys Decoy And Thermobaric Shahed Drones To Overwhelm Ukrainian Air Defenses
Zvinchuk also highlighted that fighting alongside Russian troops would likely allow North Korean forces to gain experience in drone warfare, an area where they have limited operational expertise. The expansion of North Korea’s drone capabilities, combined with their plans for mass drone production, could pose a growing threat to regional adversaries like South Korea and Japan.
While North Korea’s support may provide a short-term boost to Russia’s military operations, the long-term benefits remain uncertain, and the increasing involvement of North Korean forces could further escalate tensions in the region.
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