Russia Warns of Wider War if Ukraine Strikes Deep Inside Russia

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has issued a stark warning to the West, stating that providing Ukraine with long-range missiles for attacks deep inside Russia could lead to a wider conflict beyond Europe. Lavrov, a long-time confidante of President Vladimir Putin, accused the West of escalating the conflict in Ukraine by considering Ukrainian requests for relaxed restrictions on the use of Western weapons. He highlighted the risks associated with the West’s potential involvement, emphasizing that the West’s actions are akin to playing with fire, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons. Lavrov further emphasized Russia’s commitment to reviewing its nuclear doctrine, suggesting a potential shift in its nuclear policy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted that the recent incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory, specifically the Kursk region, revealed a bluff by Moscow. Zelensky attributed Ukraine’s limitations in employing Western weapons to the restrictions imposed by its allies, despite having access to such weapons. He called upon these allies for more decisive action to support Ukraine.