Russia Warns of Consequences Over US Missile Use

Following recent allegations that the U.S. allowed Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, warned that this escalation would represent a 'new stage' in the conflict and that Russia would respond accordingly. The Kremlin has emphasized that U.S. involvement in permitting such strikes would signify direct participation in the war, exacerbating tensions. Concurrently, the UK and France have lifted restrictions on the use of long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine, with France explicitly stating that attacking Russian military targets is an option. Russian officials have indicated the potential for retaliatory strikes against U.S. military assets if Ukraine employs these weapons against Russian soil. The situation is further complicated by North Korea's military involvement in the Ukraine conflict, suggesting the war could evolve into a broader proxy battle. As the conflict intensifies, the implications of Western military support for Ukraine continue to pose serious risks for escalation with Russia.