Recent reports suggest that US intelligence officials have warned of potential deadly retaliation from Russia if the Biden administration allows Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike deep within Russian territory. President Putin has also announced plans to revise Russia’s nuclear weapons doctrine, signaling a strong message to the West.
The New York Times reports that Russia may escalate covert operations in Europe and launch lethal attacks on U.S. and European military bases if Ukraine is allowed to fire long-range missiles into Russia. Some senior advisers to President Biden agree with the intelligence warnings, especially after Putin’s aggressive statements warning of war if Ukraine is given longer-range weapons.
Despite potential risks, U.S. officials are considering the impact of allowing deep strikes, with concerns that the limited number of missiles may not significantly change Ukraine’s position in the conflict. Additionally, Moscow is predicted to relocate key military assets out of missile range.
Ukraine has already used Western-supplied missiles to target Russian military positions, showing determination to reclaim annexed Crimea. The situation remains tense as both sides weigh their next steps.