Kremlin’s chilling warning: “World War III could be on the horizon”

The Biden administration’s approval of long-range missile use by Ukraine has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, with Russia accusing the United States of dangerously escalating the ongoing conflict. The move permits Ukraine to strike targets deep within Russian territory, a development that Kremlin officials have called a reckless provocation.

Speaking on the matter, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision amounts to “throwing oil on the fire,” further heightening tensions between the nuclear powers. Peskov added that such actions demonstrate the United States’ willingness to prolong the conflict instead of seeking peaceful resolutions. His remarks underline growing fears of an uncontainable escalation, with some Russian officials suggesting the decision brings the world perilously close to a larger confrontation.

The decision allows Ukraine to deploy the U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which possess a range of nearly 190 miles. This unprecedented move opens up opportunities for Kyiv to target strategic military sites within Russia’s borders. Analysts view this as a significant shift in Washington’s support for Ukraine, indicating a more aggressive stance against Moscow’s continued military operations.

A Russian lawmaker, Vladimir Dzhabarov, went so far as to claim that the move could be interpreted as a step toward the “beginning of World War III.” His sentiment echoes similar concerns voiced by Andrei Klishas, a senior figure in Russia’s Federation Council, who warned that such decisions could push Ukraine further into ruin.

The timing of this development coincides with the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s term, raising questions about the continuity of U.S. foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump. While Biden’s administration has refrained from issuing a detailed statement on the matter, Trump’s representatives have emphasized their intent to prioritize negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Ukraine’s leadership, however, has welcomed the U.S. decision. President Volodymyr Zelensky has long sought advanced military capabilities, arguing that such tools are essential for defending against Russian aggression. With ATACMS now at its disposal, Ukraine may gain a strategic edge in its ongoing counteroffensive, which has faced significant challenges due to resource constraints.

This policy shift has prompted varying reactions from NATO allies. France and the United Kingdom have already granted Ukraine permission to use their long-range missile systems for similar operations. However, other NATO members remain cautious, concerned that escalating military support could provoke harsher retaliation from Moscow or even widen the scope of the conflict.

Adding to the complexity of the situation are reports of North Korean military assistance to Russia, with thousands of North Korean troops reportedly joining Russian ranks. This growing involvement of external players heightens fears that the conflict could transform into a proxy war with global ramifications.

Expert analysts caution that these developments signify a dangerous turning point in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. By enabling Ukraine to strike within Russian territory, the United States risks being viewed as a direct participant in the war. Such perceptions could invite retaliatory measures, including potential nuclear threats from Moscow.

For now, the global community watches closely as the implications of this decision unfold. The stakes could not be higher, with the risk of further escalation threatening not just regional stability but the delicate balance of international peace.