Do not empower Ukraine there would be consequences _ Putin

American officials are considering lifting restrictions on weapons that could target deep within Russia, amidst ongoing discussions with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine would significantly alter the nature of the conflict, suggesting it would equate to NATO countries and the U.S. being at war with Russia. He also threatened severe consequences if Ukraine is provided with additional firepower.

The U.S. and British foreign ministers recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv as the war reaches a critical stage. The debate over allowing Ukraine to use missiles against Russian targets raises concerns about direct NATO involvement in the conflict.

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House soon. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for several Russian officials, including President Putin, for alleged unlawful deportation of children. Other warrants target Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, and military figures Sergei Shoigu, Viktor Sokolov, and Sergey Kobylash for their roles in attacks on civilian sites. Russia has rejected these warrants as irrelevant.

Zelensky has been urging Western allies to provide more advanced weaponry and air defenses in response to intensified Russian rocket attacks. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with increasing casualties and destruction.