![[FILE] Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Russian state space agency Roscosmos Director General Yury Borisov, during a meeting, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, 15 November 2024. EFE-EPA/VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT](https://i0.wp.com/efe.diariosergipano.net/wp-content/s/2024/11/rss-efef92de80cfe100b4b66f272d94e144a2ad20c45fbw.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1)
Moscow, Nov 18 (EFE).– Russia Monday accused the US of intensifying the Ukraine war by reportedly approving Kyiv’s use of long-range missiles against Russian territory, warning it marks a “new phase of tension” and direct NATO involvement.
The Kremlin denounced reports that the United States has authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles to hit Russia “It is evident that the outgoing istration in the US intends to keep fueling the fire and provoking an escalation of tension around this conflict,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said during a press briefing.
Peskov said if these reports were correct, it signals a “qualitatively new phase of tension” and a deeper level of US involvement in the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that enabling Ukraine to use long-range weapons would cross a “red line,” potentially compelling Moscow to arm adversaries of the West with advanced weaponry.
The New York Times and The Washington Post reported that US President Joe Biden recently authorized Kyiv to use ATACMS missiles for limited strikes within Russia. These supersonic missiles, equipped with conventional or cluster warheads, can reach targets up to 300 km away.
According to US intelligence, the move aims to counter the presence of North Korean troops, estimated at 10,000, ing Russia in the Kursk region, partially controlled by Ukrainian forces since August.
French and British media also reported that Paris and London might allow Ukraine to strike Russian targets using Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles.
“These attacks are not carried out by Ukraine but by countries granting the authorization,” Peskov said, asserting that NATO specialists direct these missions. He called the involvement a “direct provocation” by Western powers.
Last week, Putin expressed openness to peace talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war in Ukraine. However, the latest developments cast doubt on the possibility of de-escalation. EFE
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