What's happened
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that U.S. support for Ukraine's use of long-range missiles marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict. He emphasized Russia's readiness to defend its interests, citing recent missile tests and potential responses to Western military aid to Ukraine.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Lavrov stated that the U.S. must understand Russia's readiness to use any means to prevent a strategic defeat, emphasizing the dangerous nature of U.S. involvement in Ukraine. AP News echoed this sentiment, noting Lavrov's warning about the potential for nuclear escalation if red lines are crossed. The South China Morning Post provided context on Russia's military strategy, highlighting the deployment of the Oreshnik missile as a test of capabilities against Western support for Ukraine. These sources collectively illustrate the heightened tensions and the complex interplay of military and diplomatic factors at play.
How we got here
Tensions between Russia and the U.S. have escalated since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Russia's military actions, including the deployment of hypersonic missiles, signal a shift in its approach to perceived threats from Western support for Ukraine.
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