Biden Administration's Decision to Allow Ukraine to Strike Deep into Russia Sparks Fears of World War Three
Moscow, Russia - A Russian lawmaker has warned that the administration of President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with US-made weapons could spark World War Three.
Maria Butina, a member of Russia's ruling United Russia party, stated on Monday that Biden's administration is trying to escalate the situation and risked starting a global conflict. "These guys, Biden's administration, is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office," she said.
Reuters reported earlier this week that Biden's administration had made the decision to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with US weapons. The Kremlin has yet to comment on the reports. Kremlin officials warned that if the Ukrainian strikes against Russian territory continue, Moscow will respond accordingly, citing the need to protect its national security.
Russian parliamentarians have also voiced concern about the decision, warning of a significant escalation in the conflict. Andrei Klishas, a senior member of the Federation Council, Russia's upper chamber of parliament, stated that the West's actions could lead to the complete destruction of Ukraine. Vladimir Dzhabarov, first deputy head of the Russian upper house's international affairs committee, called the US decision "a very big step" towards World War Three.
US authorisation of strikes by Kyiv on Russia with US ATACMS tactical missiles would lead to a tough response from Moscow, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the State Duma lower house's foreign affairs committee, warned. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, had previously stated that Western approval for such a step would imply NATO countries' direct involvement in the war in Ukraine.
The move has sparked concerns about a potential nuclear escalation. Putin stated earlier this year that Russia may consider a nuclear response if it comes under direct attack from the West. Butina also commented on Putin's decision, saying "I guess there are some people in the United States who have nothing to lose for whatever reason or who are completely off the grid so much that they simply do not care."
The international community remains closely watching the situation as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate. The world holds its breath, waiting to see how things will unfold ahead.