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VISTORBELITUNG.COM,MOSCOW – July 19, 2025 – In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Russia has issued a stark warning to the United States and its allies, stating that it will "respond in full and if necessary launch preemptive strikes" should Washington proceed with plans to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons. This declaration underscores Moscow's growing alarm over the potential for deeper Western involvement in the conflict and the perceived threat to its own security.
The Kremlin's latest pronouncement comes amidst ongoing discussions in Washington regarding further military aid to Kyiv, particularly advanced weaponry capable of striking deep within Russian territory. While the exact nature of the "long-range weapons" being considered remains unconfirmed, the mere prospect has drawn an aggressive response from Moscow.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, was among the prominent voices delivering the warning. He accused the West of engaging in a "full-scale war" against Russia, citing a range of support including satellite reconnaissance, missile deliveries, and extensive sanctions. Medvedev's comments, made during a high-profile event, highlighted Russia's view that the continued arming of Ukraine directly contributes to a direct confrontation with NATO.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed these sentiments, explicitly stating that countries supplying Ukraine with such weapons, like Germany with its Taurus missiles, risk having their military bases attacked. She asserted that these advanced systems often require foreign personnel and NATO satellite support, thereby implicating supplying nations directly in the conflict. Zakharova warned that intercepted missiles would expose their origin, providing justification for retaliation.
This latest threat marks a dangerous intensification of Moscow's "red line" warnings. Previously, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, had cautioned that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike Russian soil would be regarded as a serious escalation, potentially putting NATO "at war" with Russia. The current rhetoric, however, introduces the alarming prospect of "preemptive strikes," suggesting a more proactive and aggressive stance from Moscow.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation. While some Western leaders maintain that providing Ukraine with the means to defend itself is crucial, Russia views such actions as a direct threat to its security interests, potentially justifying a broader military response. The ongoing debate in the US regarding the scope and nature of future military aid to Ukraine will undoubtedly be viewed through the lens of these latest, severe warnings from Moscow.
The specter of "preemptive strikes" raises serious concerns about miscalculation and uncontrolled escalation, underscoring the volatile nature of the current geopolitical climate. As NATO nations continue to assess their support for Ukraine, the diplomatic channels remain fraught with the tension of these stark and explicit threats from Russia.