- Putin threatens NATO with direct involvement if Ukraine strikes Russia using Western long-range missiles.
- Moscow expels six UK diplomats over alleged spying and sabotage activities.
- US limits missile range to avoid escalation, despite Ukraine’s requests for expanded capabilities.
Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning, claiming that if Ukraine uses Western-made long-range missiles to attack Russian territory, it would mark NATO’s direct involvement in the ongoing war.
In a parallel move, Russia expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage aimed at destabilizing the country.
Moscow Expels British Diplomats as Putin Threatens NATO Over Ukraine
Putin’s recent threat suggests a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, focusing on the potential use of long-range Western-supplied missiles. He warned that if these missiles are used to strike inside Russian territory, NATO’s involvement would no longer be indirect, but a full-scale engagement in the war. Putin emphasized that this would change the dynamics, with Russia responding to these new threats.
The Ukrainian government has been seeking permission to extend its military capabilities by using advanced long-range weapons provided by the West. However, the US and its allies have been cautious, limiting missile range due to fears of provoking a larger confrontation with Russia. The urgency around this issue grew as reports surfaced of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, a move that could tilt the balance in the war.
Adding to the tension, Moscow expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of spying and sabotage. Russian authorities claimed that these diplomats were involved in efforts to escalate the war by providing support for Ukrainian forces. British officials have denied these claims, reaffirming their focus on assisting Ukraine within the boundaries of international law.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged Russian counter-offensives in regions like Kursk. As the conflict drags on, both Russia and Ukraine seem to be gearing up for further military escalations, with the threat of Western long-range missiles now looming over the battlefield.
As the war intensifies, Putin’s warnings and the expulsion of British diplomats underscore the fragile balance of international involvement. The next steps by NATO and Ukraine could determine the trajectory of the conflict.
“This will mean that NATO countries, US, European countries are at war with Russia.” — Vladimir Putin
