Rus: "US Support for Ukraine's Medium-Range Rockets Could Lead to Escalation" Warning

"Rising Risk of Direct Conflict with the US" Backlash
"Will Not Be Used to Attack Russian Territory"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the United States announced new support of medium-range rocket weapons to Ukraine, Russia warned of the possibility of escalation, raising the risk of direct confrontation with the United States. Both the U.S. and Ukrainian governments cautioned against interpreting this as an escalation and emphasized that the weapons would not be used to target Russian mainland.

According to TASS news agency on the 1st (local time), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference, "Russia views the U.S.'s new weapons support package for Ukraine very negatively," adding, "Such support could heighten the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and the United States and is a direct provocation that crosses the line." He also warned, "There is a risk of third countries getting involved in the Ukraine war."

Earlier that day, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new military aid plan worth $700 million for Ukraine and stated that the U.S. would provide Ukraine with Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) with a range of 80 km. President Biden emphasized, "We will lead the world to continue historic support for Ukraine's fight for freedom."

The medium-range rocket system is known to have a range capable of striking Russian mainland if deployed on the frontlines between Ukraine and Russia, which is interpreted as the reason for Russia's stronger backlash. Previously, Ukraine had requested support for long-range rocket weapons with a range exceeding 300 km, but due to concerns over escalation, a compromise was chosen.

However, amid concerns about escalation, the U.S. government drew a clear line, stating that the weapons would not be used to strike Russian mainland. According to CNN, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized at a press conference that "the Ukrainian government has confirmed that it will not use this system against targets on Russian territory." The Ukrainian government also stated that it would not use the weapons to strike Russian territory.

The reason the U.S. decided to provide the weapons despite escalation concerns is reportedly due to the precarious situation of the Ukrainian military defense line in the Donbas region. According to the Associated Press, Serhiy Haidai, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration in Ukraine, said, "Russian forces have taken control of more than 80% of Sievierodonetsk," adding that the city's defense is in a very precarious state.

Sievierodonetsk is a key strategic point in the Donbas region and a central supply base for the Ukrainian military. There are concerns that if this city falls, other areas in Donbas will also fall one after another.