Russia Threatens ‘Tangible’ Retaliation if US Missiles Hit Its Territory

Russia has issued a stark warning that any use of US-supplied long-range missiles against its territory by Ukraine will provoke a “tangible and appropriate” response. Moscow’s foreign ministry stated that such actions would signal “direct involvement of the United States and its allies in hostilities against Russia.”

The warning follows President Joe Biden’s decision to approve the use of US Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) on targets within Russia, a major shift in US policy. The decision comes just two months before Biden’s departure from the White House, leaving uncertainty over whether President-elect Donald Trump was consulted or will uphold the policy.

Ukraine has previously been barred from targeting Russian territory with its US-provided ATACMS, which have a range of 300km (190 miles), as well as British and French Storm Shadow missiles of similar range. Biden’s lifting of these restrictions marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, which approaches its 1,000th day on Tuesday.

Tensions have heightened as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, plunging parts of the country into widespread blackouts. Over the weekend, Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian power grids intensified, with a strike on Odesa on Monday killing 10 people and injuring nearly 50.

Meanwhile, the arrival of more than 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region has added another layer of complexity. Reports suggest North Korea could send up to 100,000 troops along with artillery support to bolster Russia’s forces. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that the US missile approval might not be formally announced, stating, “The missiles will speak for themselves.” Speculation suggests the first use of ATACMS could target Kursk, potentially signaling to North Korea and Russia to cease their collaboration.

The US move is widely seen as a message to President Vladimir Putin that a military victory in Ukraine is unattainable. While Putin has yet to comment, his spokesperson criticized the decision, accusing the US of “adding fuel to the fire.” In September, Putin had warned that Ukraine’s use of long-range Western missiles would constitute NATO’s direct participation in the conflict.

Deputy US National Security Adviser Jon Finer confirmed Washington’s resolve, stating that the US is prepared to respond to both Russia’s escalation and North Korea’s involvement.

President-elect Donald Trump, who won the November 5 election, has not commented on Biden’s decision. Trump, set to take office on January 20, has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours but has yet to outline a detailed plan. Zelensky recently expressed expectations that Trump would push for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia within a year.