Russia threatens military response if Ukraine uses Western missiles to strike
A Russian T-72 battle tank drives outside the town of Sudzha on Aug. 8, 2024, amid Ukraine’s incursion into Russia. (AFP Photo)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned that Moscow would deliver a military response if Ukraine is allowed to strike Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles.
Speaking at the BRICS Media Summit in Moscow, Ryabkov addressed the growing concerns over the potential use of long-range weapons by Ukraine with Western backing.
“The decision on this has already been made, and signals have been conveyed to Kyiv,” Ryabkov said. “We will respond accordingly. There are serious risks here. The enemies in Washington, London, and elsewhere are underestimating the dangers of the game they’ve started. If they take the first step, they will receive a comprehensive military response.”
‘US, UK escalete tensions in Ukraine’
Ryabkov also accused the U.S. and U.K. of deliberately escalating tensions in Ukraine to uncontrollable levels. He noted that while Moscow had sent diplomatic signals urging de-escalation during contacts with the U.S. at the embassy level, those efforts had so far proven ineffective.
Possible ban on uranium exports to US
Ryabkov said Russia could halt uranium exports to the U.S. in retaliation for Washington’s sanctions, describing the American approach as aggressive.
He also claimed the U.S. is attempting to disrupt military cooperation between Russia and Iran, stating: “The U.S. is trying to drive a wedge between Russia and Iran and play in someone else’s arena for its own interests, but they will not succeed. The U.S. should stop meddling in others’ affairs and focus on their own problems, of which they have many within their borders in North America.”
