Putin Threatens To Hit New Targets If West Supplies Ukraine With New Missiles

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that providing Ukraine with long-range missiles will make Russia strike targets in Kyiv, destroying tanks and other armoured vehicles supplied by Western countries.

On Sunday, Putin warned that he would hit new targets if advanced rocket systems were supplied to Ukraine, adding that new arms deliveries to Ukraine are aimed at prolonging the conflict.

His remarks come days after US President Joe Biden announced that the US would send and provide more advanced rocket systems and munitions to Ukraine.

Russia on Wednesday earlier criticised the US decision to supply similar rocket systems and munitions to Ukraine.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency RIA Novosti that Russia viewed US military aid to Ukraine extremely negatively.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov also warned such a move would be a serious step towards unacceptable escalation.

While Ukraine has stressed it would not hit targets inside Russia, there are concerns that providing such weapons would risk drawing the US and its NATO allies into direct conflict with Russia.