The West has lifted its restrictions on Kiev’s use of long-range missiles against Russia in the ongoing conflict. A Russian spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, responded, saying that this is going to set back the efforts to find a “peaceful settlement” between the warring nations.
At the EuropaForum on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “there are no longer any range restrictions” on Western-supplied weapons used by Ukraine against Russian military targets. “There are no restrictions from the UK, France, Germany, or the US,” he added, as quoted by Euronews and reported by RT.
Peskov said on Monday that if this decision has “indeed been made, they are entirely at odds with our aspirations for a political resolution and with the efforts currently being made toward a settlement.”
“Quite dangerous decisions, again – if they were indeed made,” he stressed. However, it looks like that decision has been made because since then, Ukrainian forces have launched numerous long-range strikes inside Russia using Western-supplied weapons. Despite the changes, the doctrine still characterizes nuclear weapons as “an extreme and forced measure” and emphasizes Russia’s aim to avoid escalation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also recently signed off on a new nuclear doctrine, which expands the list of conditions that could trigger a strategic response to include scenarios where aggression by a non-nuclear state or group of states supported by a nuclear state could be viewed as a “joint attack.” –RT
Russia Warns Of An Escalation Over U.S.-Backed Strikes
Russia has consistently condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that they fuel more bloodshed and hinder efforts toward the peace process. Earlier this month, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks since 2022. The sides agreed to present detailed ceasefire proposals, carry out a record 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, and continue negotiations.
Moscow could also be in an “advanced stage” of negotiating a peace deal, which makes the lifting of restrictions highly problematic for the West. If peace is possible, why would any member of the ruling class in the West announce a “red line” for Russia can now be crossed? That will only lead to an escalation and hinder any peace prospects. Moscow has warned of crossing its red lines, but it has yet to retaliate against the West for doing so.
In the meantime, it sure looks like Germany and others are intent upon keeping this war going. Ukraine doesn’t seem too excited to end it either.
Russia Warns Of “Red Lines” Being Crossed…Again
Read the full article here
