Russia vows 'tangible' response if US missiles used against its territory

Russia has stated that if Ukraine utilizes American long-range missiles, it will result in a "suitable and significant" reaction from them.

According to a statement from the foreign ministry, an attack occurring within Russian borders "would signify direct participation by the United States and its allies in military actions against Russia."

President Joe Biden has authorized the deployment of missiles against targets in Russia, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy just two months before he is set to exit the White House.

It's uncertain whether President-elect Donald Trump was involved in the decision or if he plans to support it, especially since he has pledged to put an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine has received US ATACMS missiles, capable of flying up to 300 kilometers (190 miles), along with French and British Storm Shadow missiles that have a similar range. However, its Western allies have prohibited Kyiv from using these missiles to target Russia.

Biden's choice to remove that requirement is a crucial development in the conflict, as it reaches its 1,000th day on Tuesday.

On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a major invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow has stepped up its assaults on Ukraine's infrastructure as both sides seem to have hit a deadlock in the fighting.

The US decision comes after over 10,000 North Korean troops arrived in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have taken control of a small area. These troops are there to support President Vladimir Putin's military efforts.

Unverified sources suggest that North Korea might deploy up to 100,000 troops, along with artillery and other military equipment, to support its ally.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that there might not be an official announcement regarding the US agreement, stating on Sunday that "the missiles will do the talking."

Ukraine might deploy the ATACMS in Kursk initially. In fact, some reports indicate that the United States could have imposed limitations on their usage in that region as a message to North Korea, urging it to halt assistance to Russia, as well as to Moscow directly.

Biden's endorsement of the long-range missiles, which could soon be echoed by the UK and France, is perceived in the West as a message to the Russian president, indicating that he cannot achieve victory in the war in Ukraine through military means.

Putin has yet to make any statements regarding the recent action.

In September, the Russian leader stated that if Ukraine were to use those missiles, it would indicate that NATO countries were directly involved in the conflict.

On Monday, a spokesperson for Putin stated that the United States was "making the situation worse."

Jon Finer, the US deputy national security adviser, stated that the US has communicated to Russia its intention to take action in response to two key issues: the deployment of North Korean troops and the significant increase in Russian airstrikes targeting infrastructure in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Russia conducted heavy assaults on Ukraine's power infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. Tragically, there were numerous casualties and injuries.

On Monday, a Russian attack in Odesa resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and left almost 50 others wounded.

Donald Trump has yet to respond to Biden's choice.

He won decisively on November 5 and will be back in the White House on January 20.

Trump has vowed to withdraw the United States from overseas conflicts and invest public funds into enhancing the quality of life for American citizens.

He has claimed that he can bring the conflict in Ukraine to a close in just one day, although he hasn't provided any specifics on how he plans to achieve this.

Zelensky recently expressed his belief that Trump would push both Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement within the coming year.