The Russian president Vladimir Putin appeared on television to address the armed forces and the population, declaring that the conflict in Ukraine it took on a “global character” following Western missile attacks on Russian territory. Putin stressed that Moscow “has the right” to strike countries whose weapons are used against Russia.
In his speech, broadcast by the main Russian media, the president cited attacks conducted by Ukrainian forces with long-range missiles, including six ATACMS missiles in the Bryansk region on November 19 and Storm Shadow systems in the Kursk region on November 21. According to Putin, these attacks, although repelled by Russian air defense systems without causing casualties or serious damage, represent an escalation of the conflict.
Moscow accuses the West
“Russia was forced to respond to the attacks of a conflict provoked by the West, which has now acquired elements of a global character,” Putin said, as reported by the Tass agency. The president added that the use of sophisticated Western weapons requires the involvement of specialists from producing countries, which, according to Moscow, confirms the direct involvement of Western nations.
Putin warned that in case of further escalation, Russia will respond “symmetrically and decisively,” hinting at possible attacks against infrastructure or targets in countries that militarily support Ukraine.
The Italian position: Crosetto analyzes the Ukrainian difficulties
Meanwhile, in Italy, the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto offered an analysis of the challenges Ukraine is facing after nearly three years of conflict. Speaking at Door to DoorCrosetto noted that although Ukrainian losses are lower than Russian ones, their impact is greater due to a more limited recruiting pool. “Wars are not won just by being right or respecting international law, but with more men, more weapons and greater deterrence,” he said.
Crosetto also expressed concern about the intensification of Russian attacks, including the use of intercontinental missiles. “Russia seems determined to keep every square meter of Ukraine it manages to conquer in the coming months,” he added.
Prospects of respite: still an uphill road
Regarding the possibilities of a truce, the Italian minister declared that any negotiation requires the will of both parties, but at the moment Moscow has given no signs of opening. “A ceasefire would be the first step, but Putin has so far rejected any negotiations,” Crosetto said.