Putin: Russia May Target Countries Supplying Weapons Used Against Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia reserves the right to strike military facilities in countries providing Ukraine with weapons used to attack Moscow.

His comments followed a Russian missile attack on Dnipro, a Ukrainian city, which Putin described as retaliation for Ukraine’s use of U.S. and British long-range missiles in recent strikes on Russian territory.

In a televised address, Putin confirmed the deployment of Russia’s new intermediate-range ballistic missile, known as “Oreshnik” (Russian for “hazel”), during the Dnipro strike. He warned that this missile could also target countries aiding Kyiv’s missile operations.

Putin pledged to issue advance warnings for future strikes involving the missile to ensure civilian evacuations, according to reports by the Associated Press (AP). He also claimed that U.S. air defense systems would be unable to counter Russia’s advanced missiles.

The Dnipro strike reportedly targeted a missile manufacturing facility but also injured two people and caused damage to a rehabilitation center and an industrial site, according to Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the missile originated from Astrakhan, a region in Russia near the Caspian Sea.

Tensions have intensified this week after the Biden administration lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-made long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. This policy shift prompted Ukraine to carry out attacks within Russia, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.

Additionally, on the same day, Putin approved a new military doctrine allowing for a nuclear response to conventional attacks on Russia by any country supported by a nuclear power. This move has escalated nuclear tensions further.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s continued aggression, describing Putin as fearful and accusing Moscow of desperation.

Western nations have also criticized Russia’s rhetoric, accusing it of using nuclear threats to intimidate Ukraine and its allies.

Meanwhile, Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, injuring 26 people and damaging civilian infrastructure, according to Serhii Lysak, the regional governor.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted several Western-supplied missiles and drones, though specific details were not provided.

Experts remain cautious about the broader implications of Ukraine’s expanded use of Western weaponry. While the removal of restrictions enhances Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, analysts suggest it may not significantly change the war’s overall direction. However, it could complicate Russian logistics and increase operational challenges.

Peter Ricketts, a former U.K. national security adviser, observed that Ukraine’s strikes within Russia using Western weapons undermine Moscow’s narrative that its retaliatory actions are justified while Kyiv’s responses amount to escalation.

Putin has warned that such developments bring NATO and Russia closer to direct conflict, heightening fears of a broader confrontation.