Russian lawmakers have warned that the United States’ decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles could escalate the conflict into World War III.
The announcement followed reports that Ukraine has been authorized to target locations deep within Russia using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles.
Andrei Klishas, a senior member of Russia’s Federation Council, stated that the West’s actions could have devastating consequences, according to Ziare.
“This escalation could leave the Ukrainian state in complete ruins by morning,” he wrote on Telegram.
Vladimir Dzhabarov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council’s International Affairs Committee, said Moscow’s response to such strikes would be immediate.
“This is a significant step toward starting World War III,” he warned.
A Dangerous Escalation
The ATACMS missiles in question are capable of hitting targets over 300 kilometers (190 miles) away and are compatible with the HIMARS artillery systems already used by Ukraine.
These weapons allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, targeting logistics hubs, command centers, and airbases. The decision represents a shift in U.S. policy, previously limiting Ukraine’s missile use to its own territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously described such actions as a dangerous escalation.
He warned in September that allowing Ukraine to attack Russian soil with Western-made long-range missiles would fundamentally change the nature of the war.
Putin argued that NATO infrastructure and personnel would be involved in supporting these strikes, which he equated to direct NATO involvement in the conflict.
Leonid Slutsky, head of the State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said this decision would trigger a severe response. He described the move as "inevitably leading to grave consequences."
Maria Butina, a Russian lawmaker, accused the Biden administration of risking global conflict for political gain. She expressed hope that former President Donald Trump would reverse the policy if re-elected.
