Russia has declared that the war with Ukraine has entered a “new phase” after a missile attack on its territory. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this statement during the G20 meeting in Brazil, where he also accused the US of escalating the conflict.
Ukraine Strike Marks ‘New Phase of War, Says Russia
Lavrov referred to the missile strike in Bryansk, a region near Ukraine’s border, as a turning point in the war. “If the long-range missiles are used from the territory of Ukraine against the Russian territory, it will mean that they are controlled by American military experts, and we will view that as a qualitatively new phase of the Western war against Russia and respond accordingly,” Lavrov said. However, he did not explain what Russia’s response would involve.
What Happened in Bryansk?
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS missiles early on Tuesday at a military facility in the Bryansk region. Russia claimed that its air defense systems intercepted five missiles, but one caused some damage. Ukraine, on the other hand, said the attack hit a Russian ammunition depot, suggesting it was a successful operation.
The use of these US-made long-range missiles marks a significant development. The missiles allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, something Russia has strongly opposed.
Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine
Lavrov also spoke about Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which was updated in September. President Vladimir Putin had earlier announced changes to this policy. The updated doctrine allows Russia to use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack on its territory. However, the policy is written in a way that does not commit Russia to taking any specific action, leaving decisions open-ended.
Putin has repeatedly warned that supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons, like those provided by the US, is a dangerous step. He stated that it could be seen as NATO directly entering the war against Russia. Lavrov also mentioned these concerns, saying the involvement of Western countries, particularly the US, shows that Ukraine’s military actions are being guided by foreign powers.
US Decision to Allow Deeper Strikes
The missile attack came just days after US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use American-made long-range weapons in the war. This policy change permits Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, which could escalate the conflict further.
The US decision is seen as a response to ongoing reports of North Korean troops being deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. North Korean forces are believed to be helping Russia defend against Ukrainian attacks.
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