Putin warns U.S, NATO against supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the United States and NATO, cautioning them against supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.

Putin emphasized that such an action would fundamentally “change the very nature of the conflict,” escalating tensions further.

Speaking on state television, Putin cautioned that granting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky additional firepower would imply that NATO and the U.S. are directly at war with Russia. He added, “If that’s the case, we will take appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face.”

This comes as American and British foreign ministers met with Zelensky in Kyiv amidst ongoing discussions about easing restrictions on weapons that could strike deep inside Russian territory. Meanwhile, pressure mounts on the West, with Zelensky requesting more air defenses following recent Russian rocket attacks.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for several high-ranking Russian officials, including Putin, accusing them of war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of children during the conflict. Despite the charges, Russia has dismissed the warrants as “null and void.”

As the crisis continues, with heavy losses on both sides, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the evolving situation.