Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated his rhetoric concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting severe repercussions if Western allies permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia.
Potential of Striking British Resources
Analysts warn that Russia's response could involve striking British military resources or even conducting a nuclear test to demonstrate its resolve.
As tensions mount, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are scheduled to meet to discuss whether to authorize Ukraine’s use of American ATACMS missiles or British Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, according to Ziare.
Putin has issued a stark warning that allowing such actions would drastically change the nature of the conflict and potentially lead to direct confrontation between Russia and the West.
Testing Nucelar Weapons
In his most explicit threat to date, Putin promised a response that could involve unconventional measures. Ulrich Kuehn, an expert in arms control, speculates that a nuclear test could be a method for Russia to intimidate the West, marking a dramatic escalation.
"Testing a nuclear weapon would be a significant and dangerous step," Kuehn stated, emphasizing the severity of such an action.
Gerhard Mangott from the University of Innsbruck also considers the possibility of a nuclear test, although he deems it unlikely. Mangott suggests that Russia might detonate a tactical nuclear weapon to demonstrate its seriousness.
Meanwhile, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, has warned that NATO would be directly involved in hostilities if Ukraine receives advanced missiles.
Putin’s warning is seen as a critical test for Western powers.
Former Kremlin advisor Sergei Markov predicts that Russia could retaliate by targeting British military assets near Russia, such as drones and fighter jets, or even closing embassies.
