Things Are Getting Hot: Putin Says the Ukraine War Is Spreading Everywhere!

In a televised address on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West, suggesting that the war in Ukraine is inching closer to becoming a global conflict. Putin’s comments come in the wake of Ukraine launching attacks on Russian targets using Western-supplied missiles, a move he described as a direct provocation.

Putin alleged that Ukraine utilized U.S.-made ATACMS missiles on November 19 and British Storm Shadow missiles alongside HIMARS systems on November 21 to strike Russian territory. He accused the United States and Britain of effectively enabling these assaults, which he claims have added a “global character” to the war.

“From that moment, as we have repeatedly underscored, a regional conflict in Ukraine previously provoked by the West has acquired elements of a global character,” Putin declared.

Hypersonic Retaliation

Russia’s response was swift. Putin announced that Moscow had deployed its newest hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, nicknamed “Oreshnik” (the hazel), against a Ukrainian military target. The strike reportedly hit a facility in Dnipro associated with missile and space technology, with Putin describing the operation as a success.

Although he assured that civilians would be warned ahead of future hypersonic strikes, the Russian president hinted at more aggressive measures if the situation continues to escalate.

“And in case of escalation of aggressive actions, we will also respond decisively and in a mirror manner,” Putin warned, making it clear that any military facility enabling attacks on Russia could be targeted in retaliation.

Western Missiles and Russian Losses

While the ATACMS strikes on November 19 caused little damage, Putin acknowledged that a Storm Shadow missile attack on November 21 in Russia’s Kursk region led to casualties. This, he said, marked a dangerous turn in the conflict.

He dismissed claims that Western arms could change the trajectory of the war, reiterating his belief that Russia would maintain its military dominance. “The use by the enemy of such weapons is not able to change the course of the military actions in the zone of the special military operation,” Putin stated.

A Global Brinkmanship

Putin’s rhetoric painted a grim picture of an escalating arms race. He accused the U.S. of making a “mistake” by withdrawing from the 1987 INF Treaty, which had banned intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. Although Russia had previously adhered to a self-imposed moratorium on developing such weapons, Putin suggested this stance could change.

“Let me remind you that Russia has voluntarily, unilaterally committed itself not to deploy medium-range and shorter-range missiles until such time as American weapons of this kind appear in any region of the world,” he said.

Strategic Calculations

The Russian leader emphasized that his actions were defensive, aimed at safeguarding Russia’s interests in light of Western actions. His remarks underscored the growing tension between Moscow and NATO, as fears mount that the conflict in Ukraine could spill into neighboring territories.

Russia currently occupies about 18% of Ukraine, including Crimea, most of the Donbas region, and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. While Ukraine and its allies view Russia’s 2022 invasion as an imperialist land grab, Moscow has framed its military campaign as a necessary response to NATO’s expansion and alleged threats to Russian sovereignty.

Looking Ahead

As the war drags on, Putin’s warnings about the global ramifications signal a dangerous new phase. His rhetoric suggests a willingness to escalate further, testing the resolve of Western powers.

The question now is how far the international community is prepared to go in aiding Ukraine—and how Moscow will respond to actions it views as direct provocations. One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.