Putin warns of ‘war’ with West if Ukraine gets long-range missile approval

President Putin of Russia has warned that if the US and its allies lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range Western weapons, it would be considered an act of war. This warning comes ahead of talks in Washington where the issue is expected to be discussed. Putin stated that allowing Ukraine to use these weapons would mean NATO countries are directly involved in the conflict. The Kremlin has been portraying the war in Ukraine as a clash with the West, and Putin’s recent comments seem to escalate this rhetoric. Ukraine has been asking for permission to strike deeper inside Russia, but the US and its allies have been hesitant, fearing escalation. Recent developments suggest a shift in this stance.