(Moscow) – Relations between Russia and the United States could be completely severed if the U.S. proceeds with authorizing strikes deep inside Russia, according to a statement by Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian State Duma. Volodin suggested that although these strikes might cause damage, they would not alter the overall course of the war and would only lead to worsened relations between Moscow and Washington.
In a post on his Telegram channel, Volodin reacted to reports of U.S. plans to use ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles in strikes targeting Russian territory. He emphasized that the expansion of these missile strikes could cause harm but would not change the course of the battlefield. Volodin added that, on the contrary, this action would only make the future situation for Ukraine worse and deal a significant blow to U.S.-Russia ties.
Volodin further remarked on the broader implications of President Joe Biden’s decision, pointing to the idea that the U.S. administration might be envisioning a future conflict that extends beyond Ukraine. He suggested that President Biden, aware of his eventual departure from office, may be pushing the U.S. into an irreversible conflict that could have long-term global consequences.
Reports from major news outlets, including The New York Times, indicated that President Biden authorized the use of ATACMS missiles for strikes on Russian soil, marking a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war. Following this, France and the United Kingdom were also said to have given Ukraine the green light to use SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for similar purposes. However, Le Figaro later retracted its story, providing no explanation for the removal.
The U.S. decision has been met with mixed reactions from European allies. The German government confirmed that the United States had informed Berlin about the missile authorization. Meanwhile, French officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, denied any change in their stance regarding the use of such missiles inside Russian borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned that such actions would be considered as direct involvement from NATO countries in the conflict. In September, Putin stated that any use of Western long-range missiles against Russian territory would drastically alter the nature of the war. He emphasized that Russia would then be forced to take appropriate action in response to the new threats.
Ukraine, which has relied heavily on Western assistance in the form of intelligence and advanced weaponry, would not be able to carry out strikes deep inside Russia without Western support, particularly access to satellite intelligence and flight data, as noted by Putin in his comments.