Russia has issued a dire warning: Washington’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory using American weapons risks escalating the Ukraine conflict into a global catastrophe. With tensions already sky-high, Russian lawmakers have not minced words, calling the move a direct path to World War III.
On November 17, reports emerged that the Biden administration had lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range weapons, effectively green-lighting strikes deep within Russian territory. This marked a significant shift in policy and provoked sharp reactions from Moscow.
Andrey Klishas, chairman of the Committee on Legal Affairs in Russia’s Federation Council, took to Telegram to voice his concerns, saying "The West is going to such an escalation that could lead to the complete collapse of the statehood of Ukraine."
Others echoed his alarm, including Vladimir Jabarov, vice-chairman of the International Relations Committee. "This is an unprecedented step. This is a very big step towards the beginning of the Third World War, and the Americans will do it with the hands of the departing old man, who will not be responsible for anything in two months," Jabarov said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned against Western countries arming Ukraine with long-range weapons, labeling it a provocation that would fundamentally alter the nature of the war. He has described such actions as tantamount to direct involvement in the conflict.
In an ominous statement, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that if Ukraine used Western long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, Moscow might retaliate by leveling Kyiv with conventional weapons.
Russia’s warnings highlight the precariousness of the situation. Allowing Ukraine to expand its military operations with U.S. weapons could lead to unpredictable consequences, further destabilizing an already volatile region.
With accusations of escalation on both sides, the question now is whether diplomacy can temper these rising tensions—or if the world is inching closer to a point of no return.
As the conflict intensifies, the stakes extend far beyond Ukraine and Russia. The decisions made now could ripple across the globe, shaping the future of international security for years to come.
The Hot Zone With Chuck Holton
