Moscow, Sep 13 (V7N)- Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to the US-led NATO military alliance, stating that if Western countries permit Ukraine to launch long-range missile attacks inside Russia, it would effectively mean NATO is "at war" with Russia. This declaration was made during an interview with Russian state television on Thursday, ahead of a key meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington DC on Friday.

Putin emphasized that such a move would lead to a significant escalation, declaring, "This would mean the NATO alliance, including the USA and European countries, is starting a war against Russia." He added that if this scenario unfolds, Russia would take "appropriate decisions" in response to the new conflict dynamics.

This warning comes amid growing concerns that the ongoing talks in Washington might result in NATO easing restrictions and allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. Although Ukraine has long requested permission to attack inside Russia with Western weapons, NATO has so far rejected these requests.

However, reports from Iran-based media outlet Press TV suggest that the United States has relaxed some initial restrictions, potentially allowing Ukraine to strike regions like Crimea, Zaporozhye, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk. These territories are claimed by Ukraine, although they are currently under Russian control.

In response to these developments, Moscow reiterated its position, stating that if Ukraine uses Western-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory, Russia would consider it a direct assault and would retaliate by initiating hostilities against the countries supplying those weapons.

The situation underscores the increasing tensions between Russia, NATO, and Ukraine, as the war in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution, with further escalations appearing imminent.

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