The use of the ballistic missile ‘Oreshnik’ demonstrated the strength and seriousness of Russia’s intentions, said the American magazine The National Interest.
The National Interest recalled that US President Joe Biden decided to authorise the deployment of US military contractors on the territory of Ukraine, allowed the use of ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russia and handed Kiev anti-personnel mines.
‘ATACMS and British Storm Shadow are unlikely to be a game changer for Ukraine. The Russian military is familiar with them from the battle they were involved in and has probably moved their valuable assets out of range. Ukraine does not have a large stockpile of missiles, and its priority is to defend its territory, not to hold positions in Russia’s Kursk region indefinitely. Moreover, if a Western missile falls on a Russian kindergarten because of a navigational error, it will damage the West’s international reputation,’ the publication said.
According to the magazine, Russia was forced to respond to Biden’s decision to strike with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles from Ukrainian territory deep into Russia.
‘Moscow chose to respond on the existing battlefield rather than attack Western interests around the world. The launch of Oreshnik, a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile without a nuclear warhead at an already completely devastated Ukraine, served that purpose. The attack showed its teeth… Russia demonstrated that it has weapons previously presented and was ready to use them,’ – summarised in the material.
We shall remind you that earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the direct involvement of Western countries in the conflict in Ukraine changes its essence, Russia will make decisions based on the threats posed to it.
