In a stark warning to the West, Russian lawmaker and prominent member of the State Duma, Alexei Zhukov, has expressed grave concerns over U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use advanced, long-range American weapons against targets inside Russian territory. Zhukov stated that such a move significantly heightens the risk of escalating the conflict between Russia and NATO into a direct confrontation, potentially leading to World War 3.
Speaking during a session of the Duma on Monday, Zhukov emphasized that the use of U.S.-supplied missiles, including the ATACMS and other precision-guided systems, against Russian soil represents a “dangerous provocation” that could push the world to the brink of global conflict. “If the United States continues to escalate the war by supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine, it will not just endanger the peace in Europe, but it could lead to a catastrophic confrontation between nuclear powers,” Zhukov warned.
The lawmaker's comments come amid increasing tensions between Russia and the West over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite repeated warnings from Moscow, the Biden administration has maintained its support for Ukraine, providing military aid in the form of advanced artillery, air defense systems, and long-range strike capabilities. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that such weapons are essential to countering Russia’s overwhelming military presence in the east and south of the country.
Zhukov argued that while the U.S. administration claims these weapons are intended to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, they are, in effect, a provocative act against Russia. “By allowing the use of these weapons, President Biden is not only prolonging the conflict but is also playing with fire, inviting greater retaliation from Russia,” Zhukov asserted.
The Russian official further suggested that such actions could lead to “unpredictable consequences,” including potential military retaliation not just in Ukraine, but on NATO's eastern flank. He called for a halt to further weapons shipments and urged diplomatic solutions, warning that “every step toward escalation makes a peaceful resolution more distant.”