Russia has commented on the U.S. decision to grant Ukraine permission for long-range strikes against Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry commented on reports that the United States has allowed Kyiv to strike within Russian territory.

In a message published on the official Telegram channel of the Russian Foreign Ministry, it is claimed on one hand that "no 'wonder weapon'" that Ukraine requested from its Western partners "can influence the course of the Special Military Operation (SMO)."

At the same time, it states that the use of long-range missiles by Kyiv against Russian territory would signify a "radical change in the essence and nature of the conflict."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also emphasized that the employment of long-range missiles would mean "direct participation of the USA and their satellites in combat operations against Russia."

According to her, Russia's response will be "adequate and significant."

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated in comments to journalists: "If such a decision has indeed been formulated and communicated to the 'Kyiv regime,' this represents a qualitatively new escalation of tension and a qualitatively new situation regarding the involvement of the United States in this conflict," he declared.

Earlier today, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin threatened the use of "new weapon systems that the Russian Federation has not deployed on Ukrainian territory" if long-range missiles are launched against Russia. He did not specify what weaponry he was referring to.

Background. Previously, Putin warned of response measures to such a decision.

"The flight missions for these missile systems can essentially only be conducted by military personnel from NATO countries," Putin stated on September 12. "Ukrainian military personnel cannot do this."

"If this decision is made, it will mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries—the USA and European nations—in the war in Ukraine," the Russian president asserted. "This will mean that NATO countries, the USA, and European countries are at war with Russia."