«The Kiev regime’s use of long-range projectiles for attacks on our territory will mean the direct involvement of the US and its satellites in combat against Russia, as well as a radical change in the conflict’s essence and nature. In this event, Russia’s response will be appropriate and tangible,» the diplomat noted.

   She noted that «it is not yet clear whether such news is based on official sources.» «One thing is obvious: amid the failures of the Kiev regime, its Western handlers are banking on the utmost escalation of the hybrid war unleashed against Russia, trying to attain the illusory goal of ‘strategically defeating Moscow.’ However, no matter how much Zelensky and his henchmen hope and pray for it, there is no ‘wonder-weapon’ capable of affecting the course of the special military operation,» Zakharova said.

   The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia. Later, France’s Le Figaro reported that France and the United Kingdom had followed suit and allowed Ukraine to use their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles for these purposes.

   However, the newspaper later removed this story from its website, giving no explanations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Paris had not altered its position on strikes inside Russia. The German government said that the United States had notified Berlin about Biden’s decision.

   Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 12 that the potential decision to use Western long-range missiles against Russia would mean the United States’ and other NATO countries’ direct involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

   This step would change the very nature of the conflict and Russia would have to make relevant decisions proceeding from the threats it will face, the president warned. He noted, meanwhile, that Ukraine is unable to strike inside Russia without the West’s assistance because this would require intelligence data from satellites and flight assignments.