Concerns are mounting over the United States' decision to allow Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), for strikes deep within Russian territory.
Indian defence experts, speaking to Sputnik India, have warned that this escalation could have dire consequences, not only for the ongoing conflict but also for global stability.
Air Marshal (Retd) M Matheswaran emphasized the inherent risks of this move, stating that such strikes would heavily rely on Western satellite data and technical support. "Biden's decision sends a clear message: NATO is entering the war in a subtle manner," he cautioned.
Matheswaran believes this escalation significantly reduces the prospects for peace negotiations and increases the likelihood of severe Russian retaliation. "If Russia responds with nuclear weapons, the consequences could be disastrous for the entire world," he warned.
Major General (Retd) Shashi Bhushan Asthana echoed these concerns, criticizing the Biden administration for potentially undermining future peace efforts. "Biden, having already lost the election, has little to lose and is pushing the fight against Russia until the last Ukrainian," Asthana observed. He fears that further escalation could draw the United States into direct conflict with Russia, jeopardizing global security.
Both veterans highlighted what they perceive as critical miscalculations by the Biden administration: firstly, disregarding repeated warnings from President Putin against the use of NATO-guided long-range weapons, and secondly, overestimating the impact such weapons will have on the battlefield.
While acknowledging that long-range missiles may provide Ukraine with temporary tactical advantages, they argue that these are unlikely to decisively alter the conflict's outcome given Russia's defensive capabilities and potential for retaliation.
These concerns are not limited to Indian experts. Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson has also voiced his apprehension, stating that providing Ukraine with long-range strike capabilities further blurs the line between Western support and direct involvement in the war against Russia.
The overall sentiment reflects a growing fear that the Ukraine conflict, fueled by the West's provision of increasingly advanced weaponry, is spiraling towards a broader global confrontation with potentially catastrophic consequences.
