Moscow says it will push Ukraine farther away if Kyiv buys long-range US missiles

The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that in the case of Kyiv acquiring advanced long-range ATACMS-guided missile systems from the US, Russia will be forced to push Ukrainian forces further away and expand its perceived “buffer zone.”

In October of last year, the White House made a public statement confirming that it had supplied Kyiv with various ATACMS missiles that can strike targets located up tp 165 kilometers away. However, following Congress’s endorsement of a delayed aid bill, a forthcoming U.S. package is anticipated to encompass an extended missile system capable of reaching distances of up to 300 km.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv intends to acquire long-range ATACMS missiles.
There is a potential for Ukraine to employ these missiles to strike targets located far within the territory currently under the control of Russian forces, particularly in Crimea, which Russia annexed.
The ATACMS missile system can be installed on trucks and has a much higher speed compared to the cruise missiles from Britain and France that are currently part of Ukraine’s arsenal.

Statements of Defense Minister Petrov

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s position on this matter in a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that it remains unchanged despite being stated multiple times previously. “There have been no changes in this matter,” stated Peskov.

Peskov commented on the U.S. arms shipment to Ukraine, stating that the situation in the conflict area is significant and easily understandable. “Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that the forthcoming arms shipments are unlikely to alter the current situation on the front,” stated.
The spokesperson, Peskov, declined to comment regarding supplying Ukraine with long-range missile systems, stating that it falls under the responsibility of the Russian Armed Forces.

Source: Newsroom