Ukraine's missile use may escalate Russian sabotage, warn experts

The American intelligence warns that Russia might respond with greater force if Ukraine gets permission to use long-range missiles against targets deep within Russia. Despite this, experts believe that using these missiles won't significantly change the war's course, reports "The New York Times".

Analysts point out the potential risks and uncertain benefits of such a decision. The Ukrainian army has a limited number of these missiles, and it is unclear if Kyiv’s Western allies will supply more.

"NYT" notes that the Kremlin often uses threats to discourage the West from providing Ukraine with more advanced weaponry. Critics of Joe Biden believe that the US president and his allies are too easily intimidated by Putin's rhetoric. However, supporters argue that such a strategy has avoided an aggressive reaction from Russia.

Representatives of American intelligence emphasise that in response to allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles, Russia could intensify sabotage actions and arson in Europe and also conduct deadly attacks on American and European military bases.

The Russian military intelligence, GRU, is responsible for most of the sabotage acts in Europe that have occurred recently.

US President Joe Biden met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Thursday. The Ukrainian president is trying to get approval to use long-range missiles to bring the war onto Russian territory. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already received three types of these missiles from its partners: American ATACMS, British Storm Shadow, and French SCALP.